Queen for a Day

I love my Mommy. She was literally "Queen for a Day" back in the day, so I thought it was only fair that I got my turn. When my oldest was in Kindergarten I told him that on Mother's Day it was tradition to refer to your Mom as "O, Queen" all day. His Kindergarten teacher kindly backed me up on this when I asked her to enter into my deception. And so a new holiday was born...Queen's Day.

This tradition has continued over the years in our home. Although now,"Your Majesty" or "Her highness" have become acceptable forms of address on Queen's day. I think it's great fun and I thought they did too until the other night. I was reminding them that Queen's Day was coming up and going over the "terms of use" when Emmie got really agitated. She said "Mom, it seems like you want this day to be all about you and all you want is the glory for yourself." Ouch. Being as mature and godly as I am, I basically told her that she had to play along because it was my special day. To which they responded (as they do every year) "When is Kid's day?". To which we responded, like every parent who has gone before us, "You get every other day of the year."

After reflecting on it for a few days, I told the kids that they did not have to call me "O, Queen" unless they wanted to. I explained that I thought it was just a fun and amusing tradition, but they could decide if they wanted to participate. Mostly I wanted to repent, but I also kind of was trying reverse psychology on Emmie. It didn't work. She wanted to call me "Mom". That's okay, it is my name after all.

In the course of our conversation, Tate said "I'll call you 'O, Queen.' I know not every family does it, but for those of us who do, it's kind of fun." Oh no, I think we're having a Santa Claus moment. Tate believed me (thanks to his trustworthy kindergarten teacher) and has thought all these years that it is a common tradition to refer to one's mother as "O Queen" on Mother's Day not just something his kooky mom made up to amuse herself. Thankfully, he had a good laugh about it.

The Queen with her royal subjects...

I also had a good laugh about the card Emmie made for me at school. It was a sheet that she filled in the answers to. Her answers are in italics...

My Mom can do many things! I think she's best at sitting, cooking, sleeping
My Mom is as pretty as a...Mom
My Mom is smart! She even knows...10 x 10

This whole "Queen's Day" experience has caused me to re-evaluate how I view Mother's Day. It used to be my special day. A time for everyone to pamper me and see to it that I don't have to lift a finger. Now believe me, I will wholeheartedly accept being treated in this manner any day, but I have come to realize that Mother's Day is special precisely because I get the joy of being a mother every day. I often forget this the other 364 days of the year, but today I want to remember this amazing privilege.

I also want to remember the mother who has brought my daughter into the world. I don't know what circumstances will take our baby from her arms to place her in mine, but I know we are forever linked. O Queen, who may hold our Ethiopian Princess right now, I esteem you. I never knew how much my heart would ache for you. May God hold you close as you walk down this path.