“No Mother’s Day”… WTF?

In a cab today I saw a strange, dark and ominous advertisement about how many women will die in childbirth and/or because of pregnancy on Mother’s Day this year (3,000!). About 360,000 women and girls die worldwide every year from pregnancy, which is a lot and it’s really terrible. Sure, it makes sense to advertise this around Mother’s Day, but instead of a ribbon to wear or some kind of fundraiser — like give your money to this organization instead of Hallmark —  the ad asks that we show our solidarity by “disappearing” for the day. I was like, Whaa? I immediately looked up the website because I was very confused. Honor dead mothers by pretending to be one for the day? Turns out the ad is sponsored by an organization called Every Mother Counts, spear headed by supermodel mom, Christy Turlington. Here’s what Ms. Turlington wrote on CNN.com.

With that said, here is what we propose for Mother’s Day: A “No Mothers Day.” Our “proclamation” encourages mothers to join in solidarity to “disappear” for the day, out of solidarity with those who needlessly die in pregnancy and childbirth. We believe that in acting together, we can show just how much a mother is missed when she is gone.

Okay, I admit some of my annoyance with the No Mother’s Day movement is based on typical supermodel/wealthy/ celebrity jealousy, but I always thought Mother’s Day was supposed to give us a taste of life without mom so we would appreciate her more. I mean, besides making her a terrible breakfast in the morning and giving her hand-made cards — after that late morning kiss and hug — we were meant to stay out of sight and fend for ourselves. And yeah, life without mom sucks big time. Even half a day without her. And apparently only 40% of moms get to be left alone like that. And I’m still living down the Mother’s Day that I flew to Seattle to be served a gourmet breakfast in bed with my darling friend Megan by her incredibly gifted cook, husband Mark. (I wish those two would open a restaurant already. And it’s my 9 year old daughter who is still upset that I deprived her of making me a crappy breakfast in bed!)

But y’know, frankly, it’s a trending and controversial idea that has gotten people talking, trending and all that — even if it’s a BAD idea, the cause is good and it is troubling that so many women die in THIS country from bad medical practices. And that’s probably the point. She might be a supermodel, but Turlington ain’t dumb. In fact she’s a PR genius. And yes, I hate her. In the same way I hate my sister for looking so damn good and skinny 6 weeks after giving birth! It IS a green monster of admiration.

So Happy Mother’s day to all you moms out there, living and passed on. At the very least you gave us life, and at best you shaped our lives, gave us hope and kindness, love and wisdom, beauty and smarts. You helped make us who we are today and we are forever and duly grateful. And without you, we can only make crappy breakfasts.