As I navigated the aisles of the grocery store with my two oldest children, Emily and Max, we passed by the flower section. Max, with an enthusiastic grin, asked, “Are we getting flowers for Mom?” Emily, perched in the shopping cart, chimed in, “Yeah, let’s surprise her!” While they may not fully grasp the significance of giving flowers, they certainly understand the joy it brings their mother. This gesture has become a family tradition, a way for all of us to express our gratitude for her.
When my wife, Sarah, and I tied the knot over a decade ago, I promised myself I would buy her flowers monthly. Initially, I kept that promise for the first couple of years. However, as life got busier with school, children, and work, I let that commitment slide. Although I still bought flowers occasionally—sometimes to mend a disagreement, sometimes to brighten her tough days, and often just because—the frequency dwindled to about two or three times a year. While that may seem decent compared to some couples, I knew it wasn’t enough.
I often found excuses: lack of time or money would deter me. Yet, in the past year, I’ve renewed my commitment to purchase flowers each month. I’ve discovered something important during this time: buying flowers is remarkably easy. In the past, it involved trips to a florist, waiting in line, and selecting arrangements. Now, it’s as simple as clicking buttons online. Many affordable delivery services, including local florists, make it convenient to surprise Sarah. Just recently, I ordered a three-day flower and candy delivery, aptly named “three days of romance.” My only task was to place the order, and each day I received photos of Sarah’s joyful reactions. The kids eagerly helped arrange the flowers in water, enhancing the experience.
This practice of gifting flowers has not only strengthened my relationship with Sarah, but it has also imparted valuable lessons to my children. I want Max, who is now nine, to witness how I show love to his mother, so he understands how to treat a partner in the future. I want Emily and Max to know that affection and romance should continue long after the wedding vows are exchanged. As we picked flowers together, I told Max, “When you find someone to marry, I expect you to buy her flowers.” He nodded thoughtfully, and then I turned to Emily, saying, “Whoever you choose to marry should also bring you flowers. You deserve that.” She beamed and hugged me tightly.
Once we returned home, excitement ensued as Max and Emily debated who would present the flowers to Sarah. Eventually, Emily won, promising Max he could give them to her next time. She rushed in, delivering a vibrant bouquet of tulips along with a big smile, exclaiming, “Love you, Mommy!” Max stood behind her, beaming with pride. Sarah wrapped her arms around them and gave me a grateful kiss.
While flowers work for us, it could be any small, thoughtful gift—chocolates, coffee, or something else your partner enjoys. The essence is in the act of showing appreciation. For our family, flowers signify that I’m thinking of Sarah. This small yet meaningful gesture fosters romance, and I want my children to recognize its importance. Mothers, after all, deserve regular tokens of appreciation.
Sarah is dedicated and resilient, navigating the often thankless job of motherhood. She spends her days managing tantrums, cleaning, and worrying about the kids. Her body has been through so much for our family, making it all the more essential to acknowledge her efforts. Buying flowers is a straightforward, consistent way to say, “Thank you for everything you do. You matter to us.”
She remains beautiful and deserving of love, romance, and appreciation. In reality, purchasing flowers is not a frivolous expense; it’s a meaningful investment in my marriage and family bonds.
For additional insights and resources on motherhood and appreciation, you might find this blog post helpful. If you’re interested in new traditions surrounding family and relationships, consider exploring this resource. Also, for more information regarding pregnancy and home insemination, this source is highly recommended.
Summary
Continuously showing appreciation to mothers is vital for strengthening family bonds and fostering love. Simple gestures, like buying flowers, can significantly impact both the mother and children, teaching them the importance of romance and respect in relationships. Acknowledging the hard work and dedication of mothers through small acts of kindness is crucial for maintaining healthy family dynamics.