As most of our readers will already know, in Thailand this Wednesday, August 12 is a special day. It’s an occasion that's celebrated on different dates in many countries throughout the world — Mother's Day. I've yet to experience parenthood, but it's pretty self-evident that mothers have one of the toughest jobs there are in life — giving birth to, nurturing, raising and looking after those little monsters known as kids. And often, of course, it's a job that they have to do on top of whatever other job they have to earn money to pay for nurturing, raising and looking after those little monsters known as kids!
While there have been many different types of celebrations of maternity and motherhood in different parts of the world throughout human history, modern Mother's Day celebrations as we know them today began in the United States in the early 20th century. In the US, Australia and more than 80 other countries, Mother's Day is celebrated each year on the second Sunday of May.
I haven't been back to Australia for Mother's Day since I've been living in Thailand, but I always make sure to give mom a call on the second Sunday of May to thank her for being such a hard-working, wise, supportive and inspirational parent. Since the time I was born, my mother has worked as a coffee shop owner, a high school teacher and a practitioner of naturopathic therapies and natural medicine. All this while raising four kids and studying for two completely different university degrees. In other words, I'm lucky to have a mom who has proven to her kids that anytime throughout life you can change your path, embark on a new career and never stop learning, even if you have the burden of a family to support. But of course, mothers rarely think of their families as a burden, which is testament once again to that special brand of maternal love and magic that should be celebrated each Mother's Day.
In Thailand, Mother's Day is celebrated on August 12 to coincide with the birthday of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, who this year turns 83. In our exercises this week (page 19) you can read all about the fun Bike for Mom event which will be held on August 16 to celebrate this very special occasion.
And if you're able to, don't forget to do something nice for your mom to celebrate Mother's Day on August 12.
Ben Edwards
Editor
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