I always want to have something appropriate to say to
mothers on Mother’s Day. Looking at Mother’s Day from the perspective of a
husband and father I thought a lot about what might be fitting to say to the
one who is my wife and the mother of my child. The first thing that comes to
mind is to say, “Thank You.” But the more I thought about it, the more I
realized that what many of our wives and mothers really need to hear from the
men in their lives is not “Thank You” but “I’m Sorry.”
I’m sorry for being so wrapped up in my own world that I
fail to see that day in day out you work much harder and much longer than I do.
I’m sorry that I have expected you to keep a job, clean the
house, wash the clothes, care for the kids, do the shopping, cook the meals, pay the
bills and still be at my beck and call.
I’m sorry that so often I treat you more like an employee
than an equal partner.
I’m sorry that many times I make your load heavier, when
I should be making it lighter.
I’m sorry that I am so quick to demand your support, but so
slow to offer you mine.
I’m sorry that it still hasn’t dawned on me that while
you’re a great mother, you aren’t my mother.
I’m sorry that I act like they are your kids instead of our
kids.
I’m sorry that for the most part you have had to be the
spiritual leader in our home because I have failed to.
I’m sorry that you hesitate to talk to me about any of this
because I always get defensive and make you feel like you’re the one with the
problem.
I’m sorry for worrying about better cars or better houses or
better things when all you really needed was a better me.
I’m sorry for taking you to dinner or giving you a card 3 or
4 times and year and thinking somehow that makes up for taking you for granted
the other 361 days.
I’m sorry for being selfish and inconsiderate and failing to
see that you are the most precious treasure I have on this earth.
