I am a mother of two boys and a girl, the boys are thoughtful every mothers day in that they always make something for me from their heart.  My little girl is only 2.  But it truly means the world to me when they sit down and make something special for me because I know that during that period of time they are only thinking of me...mommy.

I am a grateful son and husband with a long history of inadequately expressing that gratitude. My mother has always said that Mother's Day was a cynical invention of Hallmark, and yet it's clear that she appreciates the appreciation, and is hurt by it's absence.

As a male, I have to confess I am sometimes annoyed by the succession of holidays that appear to be one way streets of gift giving and appreciation expressing from husband to wife: wedding anniversary, valentine's day, mother's day. There is something odd about being required to culturally required to express gratitude on a certain succession of days -- it seems more natural and sincere to express gratitude spontaneously and on a regular basis rather than on the days when stores agree to charge more for flowers.

Years ago when I expressed this to a wise female colleague she said, "Women are naturally more generous and affectionate than men. Because of this we need rituals to make the balance a little more equal."

She is absolutely right. I remind myself of this every time I feel frustrated by the knowledge that I will struggle to meet the expectation for gratitude on these days.