A Burma-Shave Mother’s Day by Andy P

I know Mother’s Day has almost disappeared in our personal rear view mirrors, but I don’t think it’s too late to share what Andy and her siblings did—an embodiment of the love Governor Cuomo talked about on Sunday.

Fed warns more cash is needed as US figures reveal widening inequality—The Guardian

Whistleblower to testify ‘window of opportunity is closing’ to develop strategy to combat coronavirus—ABC News

May 13, 2020

A Burma-Shave Mother’s Day
by Andy P, Seattle, Washington

The threat of COVID-19 is like living with a bad neighbor you try to avoid but can’t get rid of. Always hovering, being annoying and just plain disruptive. Well, we weren’t going to let some virus ruin our Mother’s Day. We held a modified celebration of sorts. “We” meaning me and my siblings.

In previous posts, I’ve spoken of my 91-year-old mother who lives in a senior residential facility. They are on lockdown: no one in, no one out, no exceptions. The dilemma was, how to celebrate a woman who childhood friends thought of as the quintessential mother?

First, there had to be flowers. To support the tulip farmers of Mt. Vernon, Washington, who lost the season, I ordered tulips. Thirty long-stemmed multi-colored tulips. Enough to fill multiple vases. Next, a sentimental card with a personalized note of affection. And finally, the pièce de résistance.

My brother and sister-in-law drove up from Portland. We were joined by my nephew. We stormed the old folks’ place with a mylar balloon and three Burma-Shave-style signs. HAPPY. MOTHER’S. DAY. We gathered in the courtyard, called my mom, and told her to look out the window. This is what she saw: 

While she has been sad and lonely, the surprise brightened her day. I think she appreciated the effort. We left the signs planted in the courtyard garden so others could enjoy them as well. I hope everyone had an enjoyable Mother’s Day, whether or not you are a mother or have a mother. Sometimes we just need to celebrate the women in our lives.

Mom’s birthday is next week. How will I top this act?!