Ant Story

Raoul’s Two Cents: May 9, 2025

Oh no! It’s Mother’s Day!

For many in this world, Sunday is Mother’s Day. But for our family, it’s an annual complicated day of celebration because we have two grandmas, two Moms, a Dad’s birthday and a Mother’s birthday. How do you make them feel special when they share the same cake? Get separate cakes that no one will eat? I don’t think so.

One thing’s for sure. We’re not eating at a restaurant. This is the most popular day for restaurants so who wants to deal with the culinary traffic, right? Nah! We’re catering the food and finding a spot in a park … and crossing our fingers that it doesn’t rain!

I usually plan parties with my daughter who is the designated event planner of the family. However, this year her family may not be around because they have a funeral to go to and it might fall on Mother’s Day.

As you can see, this is getting very stressful. In my exasperation (in hopes of youthful insights), I asked my 2 grand kids if they had anything planned for their mother. One of them was forced to make a school project for Mom. The other hadn’t given it much thought … he’s a teenager now so I guess he’s allowed to be self-absorbed. I think of conservative Muslims who do not celebrate Mother’s Day — maybe I’ll change religion on Sunday.

Well, whatever we decide, I’m sure everyone will give a sigh of relief when this is all over. And I’m not holding my breath for next year when the crisis repeats itself.

But seriously, to the people responsible for teaching generations to behave, Happy Mother’s Day!

This is just silly ol’ me. TGIF people!

P.S.
In Honor of Mother’s Day, here’s a video of Gigi De Lana, a spunky & petite Filipina with humongous vocal chords, singing Better Days — a song about lessons learned from a very wise grandmother (originally performed by Dianne Reeves).

p.s.s.
Congratulations to all you Catholics out there! I pray that Pope Leo XIV will lead the faithful to a closer walk with Christ.

“A mother’s love liberates.” — Maya Angelou

“When you are a mother, you are never really alone in your thoughts. A mother always has to think twice, once for herself and once for her child.” — Sophia Loren

“A mother’s arms are more comforting than anyone else’s.” — Princess Diana

“She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.” — Proverbs 31:26

(I just realized this proverb was written by King Solomon. If there was ever a doubt about Bathseba’s character, Solomon, her son, admired her.)

JOKE OF THE WEEK

Thanks to Art of Sierra Madre, California

Original art by Raoul Pascual.

Parting Shots

Thanks to Juan of San Diego

Thanks to Maling of New Manila, Philippines

Thanks to Tom of Pasadena, CA

Thanks to Brenda of New Jersey

Thanks to Art of Sierra Madre, CA

Thanks to Agnes of Washington, DC

Thanks to Norm of Encino, CA

Thanks to Fred of Long Beach, CA

I found these:

My good friend (and jokester) Terry and I came up with these.

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