Mother’s Day was celebrated in my country this past weekend, and at my house—since my mom is such a cheerful person—we have to make her day special.

My mom is unique because she’s always made it clear that she doesn’t want gifts like irons or pots, and she certainly doesn’t want to cook that day. She tells us she wants a handbag, some shoes, or her favorite: perfume 😊. My mom knows what she wants 😉.

This year I didn’t buy her anything because I gave her a membership to the gym where I work out, since she needs to keep her already worn-out bones moving.

However, this gift didn’t stop us from doing something different with my mom on Sunday.

It all started very early because our power went out, so we thought our celebration would be ruined. But, having made plans in advance, we went to church first to give thanks to God for this day and to hold memorial services for our ancestors, like my grandmother and aunts. The ceremony was very beautiful, and by 9:00 a.m. it was already over.

From there, we went to a supermarket that sells breakfast items and that my mom likes; after all, she was the guest of honor. We ordered some empanadas (a typical Venezuelan dish) with fresh juice. We took the opportunity to buy everything we needed for the barbecue I had planned: meat, chicken, oil, fruit, vegetables for the salad, and drinks.

It made us laugh that most (if not all) of the customers were men; they were all buying food, drinks, ice, and everything needed to celebrate “Mother’s Day,” which I think is the perfect excuse for men to celebrate their own day too 🤣. Although I was glad there was a man there, because he helped me pick out my meat 💯.

With everything we’d bought, we came home and I started cooking. Since my mom was the guest of honor, she was just in her room answering messages and calls 😊.

My brother arrived at 4 p.m. and had everything ready to start the grill. We sat outside while he took care of the rest. He told me the seasoning was delicious and the meat he bought was really good. 20 OUT OF 20! 🌟.

An hour later, everything was ready, and all that was left was to serve it up. With 1 kilo of meat, some chicken wings, chorizo, and salad, we filled six plates; three for us and three that we shared with some neighbors who were also sitting outside. Everyone had nothing but praise for the food.

In the end, we cleaned everything up, left the area spotless, and had time to sit with the neighbors to wrap up the day on a harmonious note.

There’s a saying that “every day is Mother’s Day,” and while that’s true, if there is a specific day, we should make sure to celebrate it for those who give us their love and care 24/7. That’s why, as long as my mother is alive, I’ll make sure to celebrate her and treat her to the gifts she loves 😍.