by Donna Glendenning

Created on: May 08, 2008   Last Updated: May 09, 2008

It was always a dilemma. What do I get for Mom for Mother's Day...she has everything she could ever need. Years ago, she made it easy. Mom has always been very strong in her convictions, and we had better follow her rules!

Late in the '70's, Mom announced her new rule for Mother's Day. I thought to myself...oh brother, she is going to dictate what we can give to her. Her edict followed...from now on, none of you kids (all four of us are grown) can spend more than $5.00, on my Mother's Day gift, and that includes the cost of a card. There it was...THE NEW RULE. And we had better follow it, and we all did for years and years.

Every Mother's Day was always a challenge to find a gift under $5.00. Naturally, we all ended up creating our own card, to meet the requirements. The gifts all became quite creative. It was amazing how when one searches, one can actually find useful things under $5.00! Mom could always use a shopping list pad, or a mini steamer, or a hot pad. The cards were more interesting than the gifts. Usually, it was an attempt to become a poet, or a comedian. It brought many smiles to all of us.

This rule continued for over 20 years, and then one year before Mother's Day, I was discussing the $5.00 Rule with my mother, and she explained to me how the rule had come about.
She said, "You and your brothers seemed to have a decent life, free of money woes, and your sister was always struggling. I decided the only way she would feel equal to everyone and not have to put herself in debt by buying a gift for me that would help put her there, was to make this rule." I thought to myself...my mother is truly brilliant. Her concern and her love was always evident, sometimes in subtle ways as her Mother's Day rule, but ALWAYS there.
Here is a woman who has left a mark in our world, who has contributed more than she could see.
She has never had a selfish thought in her life...she always has a concern for others first.

My sister is no longer with us, and every Mother's Day I feel that my mother is the special lady who has given us all a gift. She taught us kindness and fairness and compassion. She always had her little sayings that I find myself using..."the worst truth is better than the best lie", "treat others as you want to be treated". I am so fortunate to still share many years with my mother. She is the gift. She is what Mother's Day is all about.

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