It's nearly Mothers Day in the UK.
Every year. Without fail, every year I hear someone, somewhere, saying something along the lines of "My Mum was my Mum and Dad", or "Happy Fathers Day to my Mum, who is both".
Now hear me out - because I am not coming after anyone who has said this. The person is not my issue. But I do take issue with the sentiment and what value it places on people, and the roles they play in our lives. That's the longer way of saying that those phrases are an 'ick' for me.
If it was just your Mum in your house, and no Dad; she was not your Mum and your Dad - She's your Mum (who is exceptional, and did twice as much as she should have had to). The same goes the other way about. A single parent cannot be both parents. But they can be extraordinary at what they do.
No matter who raised you, or who has added value to your life as a role model - let's not use Mothers' Day as a reason to give Mothers Day cards to your Dad. Just thank him for being your Dad, and doing a terrific job. If you were raised by others instead; grandparents, aunt & uncle, Foster parents, older siblings; we don't need to say "Happy Mothers Day" to them. Take the chance to appreciate them for them, for who they are.
Mothers out there - we see you. We don't always know how to show our love and appreciation to you, and God knows, we do a poor job of it a lot of the time. But we see you, we appreciate you, and we love you.
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