We have never subscribed to the social convention of observing special public holidays of the kind that celebrate Mother's Day. Our way of thinking is that love, support and appreciation is an ongoing lifestyle, not to be given special recognition on one day set aside on the calendar, but practised as a deeply ingrained personal conviction constantly.

So while others celebrate such days, assiduously recalling their social/familial obligations to those who gave them birth and emotional well-being we go about our own quiet daily celebrations of life. On the other hand, we reserve that right for ourselves, certainly not extending it to others.

Most people don't look on these annual recognition days as purely commercial ventures advocated by commercial interests who do their utmost to advertise products certain to please the recipient. From floral offerings and extravagant cards commemorating our recognition of the specialness of motherhood and all that it entails, to expensive jewellery and trips abroad in honour of Mother.

Our daughter is a single mother of a teen-age girl. She has no one to congratulate her on having become a mother with all the burdens and concerns associated with that responsibility. To her, although she shares in large part, our thoughts on the commercial public-social holiday, we do extend an effort. We made the drive to her home from ours of 100 kilometres distance for the afternoon and her father changed the spark plug in her gas lawn mower that was balking, then set about taking the winter snow tires off her vehicle and replacing them with ordinary wheels and tires.

Our recognition of her need at this time to have a bit of extended family about her. Although the skies were heavily overcast the drive was pleasant enough; the roiling, swelling water at the cascades at Pakenham under the five-span bridge always an interesting sight.