Fete des Meres, Mother’s Day in France

Chelsea and Sacha as babies

 

Mother's Day in France is after Mother's Day in the States. As I live in France, but I am American, I thought I would be lucky enough to have a double dose in celebrating Mother's Day. But that never happened. Which was okay by me as long as Mother's Day was celebrated at least once a year.

My first time I celebrated Mother's Day Chelsea was five months old. I was excited anticipating what gift French Husband had chosen for me… Perfume, flowers maybe chocolate or perhaps he had spoiled me and had all three? Perhaps he had planned to take me out to dinner. That morning as he ready himself I fluttered around the kitchen with giddiness. As soon as he stepped foot into the kitchen I wrapped my arms around him like a child waiting for Santa, blurting, "Okay, okay, I am so exicted, just tell me now, how are we celebrating Mother's Day?"

Confused and caught off guard he said, "But you are not my Mother."

My arms drop as my happy moment spilled to the floor. I reminded him that I knew that I wasn't his mother, but that I was the Mother of our child… and well er um I kind of was hoping for some hoopla.

Now, years later that has become a classic expression in our minds when Mother's Day rolls around I remind him, "Honey, the holiday: I am not your Mother, is coming." 

Yesterday we celebrated Mother's Day Sacha came home and we three went out to lunch. Next weekend Chelsea will be home… Oh la la, finally after 24 years I will celebrate Mother's Day twice, plus French Husband gave me the most wonderful gift… Chelsea and Sacha xx

 

 

 



Comments

9 responses to “Fete des Meres, Mother’s Day in France”

  1. You just described my first Mother’s Day. My husband said the exact same thing!

  2. Loved this . . .
    I wonder if many more of us have heard the phrase . . .
    “I and not your mother . . .”

  3. Happy Mother’s Day Corey that is the best gift to be able to spend time with your children and family.
    Much love
    Jeanne
    X0X0

  4. In South Korea they celebrate parents day May 8th
    It’s another lovely tradition.
    Love you
    Jeanne

  5. LOVE IT!
    ITALIAN husband has said that too before!
    LUCKY YOU!

  6. Smiling! My husband said the same thing.
    I always plan something special for him for
    father’s day, but he waits and let’s our 2
    children/adults plan mother’s day. Sometimes
    it works and sometimes it doesn’t. Lucky you
    to have 2 mother’s days this year.

  7. Our family was fortunate that Favorite Aunty was able to celebrate Mother’s Day this year. She passed away four days later. Her son gave a beautiful eulogy and slide show at the funeral. Aunty would have been so very proud of him. There were tons of guests, all of us recalling the life of a wonderful woman who influenced us all with her kindness, faith, love and constant smile.

  8. Rebecca from the pacific northwest

    Lovely mid-20’s offspring must feel much more like a good gift than, say, a screaming diaper-messing 5 month old.
    Sasha and Chelsea are lovely mother’s day gifts, and glad you’ve got Yann clued in to your expectations of the day as well.

  9. Rebecca from the pacific northwest

    Kipper, as a childless Aunty myself, I love reading your story. Hoping I will/have engendered similar love to and from my nephews and nieces.

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