Mother's Day: No Gifts, Just Throw Money

This year my stepmother sent an email to my father, sibs, and me saying please don't get me a present. Instead donate to a reproductive rights or violence against women (recovery or prevention, presumably) organization. I decided that was such a good idea that I extended it to my mother, aunt, and mother-in-law. Most years I spend over $50 each sending them flowers, and I don't even like flowers.

For Paula, I mailed $50 to the Haven Coalition. They "provide a meal and a safe place to sleep for women who are forced to travel to New York City for second-trimester abortions."

My aunt Myra chose Garden State Equality for her gift. "Since Garden State Equality's founding in 2004, New Jersey has enacted 210 LGBT civil rights laws at the state, county and municipal levels. That’s more LGBT civil rights laws enacted in less time than in any other state, ever in American history."

I didn't consult my mother because she doesn't do email, but I figured her guru's humanitarian effort's would be an appropriate cause. I picked Haiti and sent them 50 bucks, too.

I'm still waiting for Eric to make up his mind about what to do in his mother's name--either abortion or Alzheimer's, probably.

I've been pretty over gift giving and receiving for a long time now, so I'm hoping donations in lieu of presents will be a trend among my family and friends.

Thanks to Laura Crossett, who inspired me to post this here instead of just sharing the links on Facebook. I'd like to be better about blogging here, that is narrative posts that do not contain the phrase "Library of Congress Subject Heading" or refer to a novel or memoir I've just read.

Happy mother's day to all y'all, whether you've got a living mama or not. I am really lucky to have a number of mother figures in my life and friends that are mothers that I love and admire.