From A Distance
I hope everybody had a lovely Mother’s Day.
Mine was very quiet, just the way I like it. I got up before Richard, Gabe, and Lily. Fed our dog Jasper, and our cats Felipe and Sweet Pea, and then I headed out for a long walk.
I ended up sitting by the bank of the Hudson River, staring south toward the Manhattan skyline, imagining the comings and goings of thousands of people as I looked on from a distance, in total solitude. [Then I glanced down and noticed I was surrounded by goose droppings, so I took flight—guess I’d had enough solitude.]
The rest of the morning was spent sipping coffee with Richard and reading the paper. At one point Lily snuck up behind me and wrapped her arms around me, as she whispered, "Happy Mother’s Day."
Then Gabe gave me a huge hug, and as he did so my eyes started to well with tears; partly because I was moved by the moment, but also because I felt in his hug just how strong he had become—where was the little boy who used to string together macaroni necklaces for Mom? I knew intellectually that he’d grown into a 16-year-old teenager, but I just didn’t want to be reminded of it. Not today. Not on Mother’s Day.
The kids gave me flowers and, more importantly, they gave me their time—which is always the best gift. At one point I wondered if I wasn’t just being silly…why invest so much emotionally in what is, after all, a "Hallmark holiday"?
I had just about convinced myself that I was making too much of Mother’s Day, when I realized that my oldest son Ben hadn’t called yet from college. My heart sank as my blood pressure started to rise—his first Mother’s Day without his mother and he doesn’t think to pick up the phone??? Doesn’t he remember how many times I thought to pick up his dirty socks and wash his dirty dishes? Not that I’m keeping score…
At 7:30 p.m. the phone rang and I was never happier to read that Caller ID: "Ben." “Hey Mom,” he said. “Happy Mother’s Day”. And finally, my day was complete.
Now, as I look back on the holiday from a distance, it suddenly seems so obvious, and so right: Mother’s Day is kind of schmaltzy—but what goes better with a macaroni necklace than a little cheese?
Mine was very quiet, just the way I like it. I got up before Richard, Gabe, and Lily. Fed our dog Jasper, and our cats Felipe and Sweet Pea, and then I headed out for a long walk.
I ended up sitting by the bank of the Hudson River, staring south toward the Manhattan skyline, imagining the comings and goings of thousands of people as I looked on from a distance, in total solitude. [Then I glanced down and noticed I was surrounded by goose droppings, so I took flight—guess I’d had enough solitude.]
The rest of the morning was spent sipping coffee with Richard and reading the paper. At one point Lily snuck up behind me and wrapped her arms around me, as she whispered, "Happy Mother’s Day."
Then Gabe gave me a huge hug, and as he did so my eyes started to well with tears; partly because I was moved by the moment, but also because I felt in his hug just how strong he had become—where was the little boy who used to string together macaroni necklaces for Mom? I knew intellectually that he’d grown into a 16-year-old teenager, but I just didn’t want to be reminded of it. Not today. Not on Mother’s Day.
The kids gave me flowers and, more importantly, they gave me their time—which is always the best gift. At one point I wondered if I wasn’t just being silly…why invest so much emotionally in what is, after all, a "Hallmark holiday"?
I had just about convinced myself that I was making too much of Mother’s Day, when I realized that my oldest son Ben hadn’t called yet from college. My heart sank as my blood pressure started to rise—his first Mother’s Day without his mother and he doesn’t think to pick up the phone??? Doesn’t he remember how many times I thought to pick up his dirty socks and wash his dirty dishes? Not that I’m keeping score…
At 7:30 p.m. the phone rang and I was never happier to read that Caller ID: "Ben." “Hey Mom,” he said. “Happy Mother’s Day”. And finally, my day was complete.
Now, as I look back on the holiday from a distance, it suddenly seems so obvious, and so right: Mother’s Day is kind of schmaltzy—but what goes better with a macaroni necklace than a little cheese?
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I should have known to avoid a post with this title as I am still marinading in emotion at 12 days postpartum. A third daughter.
This was beautiful, just the right balance of cheese and substance for my taste.
Your a really great writer!
Hi Meredith, I'm glad that you had a great Mothr's Day. I was thinking this morning after Ann Curry's inview with the FLDS parents about the "lost Mormon boys" that have been kicked out of their homes by the Mormon Church elite. They must feel real upset on Mother's Day. Don't you think that some hard questions could be asked of their parents? Why were the boys kicked out? Do the Elders have a right to the young girls in order to give the Elders "merit" in heaven? Since you guys are big on Feeling questions: How do the Mothers feel about brainwashing their children for the Church's use or misuse?
Meredith,
Your Mother's Day sounds lovely, and I had one that will go down in the books. But as I watch your show this morning, the only question that has been on my mind ALL year is, WHO IS THAT BLACK GUY STANDING OUTSIDE!?!?!?!?!?!??!?!?!?! On every broadcast, whenever anyone goes outside to report, there's always a quick shot of the same man! Always with a black hat, and always chewing on something! What is all that about? Is he suppose to be security or is he just a Today Show stalker? There should be a segment on him! LOL
Hi Meredith,
I now have tears in my eyes after reading your blog today, it was so touching, your kids are so lucky to have you as their Mom.
I just watched the interview with the Sinatras and I couldn't beleive what a jerk Jr. was, it's a good thing Nancy was there or you wouldn't have had much of an interview. You must have felt the tension, that is what I could see every time you asked him a question. I don't know what his problem was but you could have done without his presence.
I liked the color you had on today, it looked great on you.
Love ya Meredith
Joan K.
Wisconsin
Re: James Frey interview this monring.
Meredith, I'm sorry to write this message on your blog but I couldn't find a way to write it in the Today Show website. I can't tell you how disappointed I was with your interview this morning with James Frey. I usually think you are terrific but today you really missed the mark. The man apologized several times for his past mistakes but you just couldn't let him off the hook. As a result, I have no idea what his new book is about. It appeared as though you were just out to make him feel worse about his past, and refuse to give the man a second chance. Enough already! I tune into the Today Show to learn about what's happening in the world but I'm about ready to swith to Cup of Joe permanently. Please use your time (and my time) better. No one likes ambush interviews. Leave that to Jerry Springer!
Thanks,
Harle Wehde
Meredith, you are a great addition to the Today Show. There are many fans of Today in Canada such as myself.
A special feature for the show might be an in depth interview with Frank Sinatra Jr.
That would take at least 2 minutes.
Kidding of course.
All the Best,
Keith
On the contrary, I thought that your interview with Frey was very fair. On more than one occasion you mentioned that his latest book has been praised, specifically citing the New York Times review. I feel that Frey did an excellent job in letting us know how much of an impact his dishonesty had on his life. Hopefully his experience will result in a positive impact on his talent as a writer.
Meredith
I am a big fan and think you are doing a great job on the Today Show. Just wanted to drop you a line to say the interview with Nancy and Frank Sinatra Jr. was a classic. If you get a chance to talk to Frank Jr. again please invite him to join us all here on planet earth again from time to time.
Thanks
Joe Bowlby
Several times this morning you tried to make a joke about Jimmy Buffett and two legged pigs. To whom were you referring...overweight women, unattractive women? Nobody laughed, so why did you keep trying to turn a "put down" into a joke?
Kathleen - I assumed that Meredith was referring to, you know, the book he wrote - Swine Not - a novel about a pig that lives in a NY hotel. You know, Meredith was making a joke - a SMART joke - referencing the latest novel by Mr. Buffett.
People are way too sensitive. Seriously.
To Tene: The man you ask about is Lenny. He goes to the plaza every single day to watch the Today Show. He's kind of a favorite fan and they always make sure to say hi to him. Seems like a cool guy. I miss the gray haired guy, I think he was Manny. He died a while back and I think Lenny looks lonely without him!
Meredith, I was just slack jawed at Frank Jr. this morning. Wow, what an a*s. I'm so glad that Nancy is so wonderful and charming, her Dad would have been proud. She was a delight, her brother on the other hand....you are a wonderful interviewer and did not deserve that! Keep up the good work Meredith!
Barbara Walter's memoir came out last week.. and she called it audition.. if you were to write a memoir of your life what would you call it and why?
I forgot to greet you Happy Mom's Day!
Meredith -- I so identified with your Mother's Day blog and your teenager not calling from college. My 16 year old is away at prep school in Massachusetts and did not call me until 7:57 p.m., 3 minutes before he was due at study hall. I could not believe that he didn't think to pick up the phone and call before then! I had a wonderful day with my two younger sons but when they went to bed, I just sat and cried. I feel like I am losing one of my loving, caring boys! I am still so hurt that I haven't called him since Sunday evening. Of course, he hasn't called me either -- I guess he doesn't need me to deposit any money in his account this week! What is wrong with me? I am taking this way too seriously, aren't I?
Keep up the good work, Meredith!
Meredith-
I think you're wonderful and I enjoy watching the show BUT
PLEASE oh please stop highlighting the Duggar family. They are over populating and taking more than their fair share of resources. He needs to keep it in his pants. With all of the worlds issues going on - gas prices, cost of food increase, global warming, war, natural disasters - the last thing we need to be doing is congratulating a family who have had about 10+ too many - kids that is. I hope to never see their story again on your show or anyone elses.
Meredith:
I absolutely the Today Show. I've been a fan for quite some time. Don't know if you are at liberty to answer this, but I'd love to know what makeup you ladies wear on the show. You are all so lovely.
Meredith,
This comment has nothing to do with your post..although I do enjoy reading them!
I just wanted to express to you my excitment for tomorrows show! I cant wait to see the New Kids On The Block. I have been a long time fan. I remember when I was akid that I had everyting from a new kids sleeping bag to their concert tapes. Anyways I just wanted to tell you again that I AM SO EXCITED! I only wished that I still lived back east to be able to attend one of their concerts!
Have a great day! See you tomorrow!
Merith, I love watching Millionaire but the few times that the contestants leave with "0", I get so upset. Could you pass an idea along for me? What is it to give a player at least $100 if they do not get to $1,000. I know I say no changes but that would help the contestants that come to play with part of there expenses. PLease do not change Millionaire, it is so good especially with you being the host. I hate to watch it when you have fill-ins for you. They are not YOU. You are great.
Dear Meredith: reading your mother's day account reminded me of another story, well it's not a story its a recent speech that Hillary Clinton gave about mother's day, I thought it was very american, I mean it really reflects the role of american women in the past 100 years and the reason that it reminds me of you is because I also think you represent american culture at its best.I don't know why I am writing about this, it (mother's day) touches me in a special way because my mother died from cancer 8 years ago and to tell you the truth you've always reminded me of her in terms of appearance because for a mexican she had very anglo-saxon features, she was even nicknamed "blanca" (which means white) all her life..I feel very fortunate to have had a mother like mine who taught me and my other 5 siblings to be strong because teaching ( or preaching) strength is really a good thing, it allows one to follow one's heart, not to stay in relationships one doesn't like, not to follow a career that is unfulfilling, all these things that one can't discuss or talk about with anyone but oneself.
Yoohoooo Meredith, where are you?