A Mother’s Day Special

Masada Siegel and her mother at the spa.

One day, I was focused and determined, and standing in my sister Audrey’s kitchen, in Boca Raton, Fla., following instructions to chop onions! My mom, Audrey and I were cooking up a storm when Mom grinned broadly and said, “This is what memories are made of.” I wiped a tear from my eye and started to laugh.

Most mother’s would think an exotic family vacation or a spa day is a memorable event, but for my go-getter, no-nonsense Israeli mom, a former sergeant in the Tank Division, the concept of pampering is preposterous and being productive is positively the name of the game.

Mother’s Day is encompassed by one of the Ten Commandments, “Honour your mother and father.” While celebrating your mother should be an everyday occurrence, it’s great to have that one day a year to focus on the woman who gave us life. Most Jewish mothers are obsessed with making sure everyone is happy, eating healthy and being productive, and never take time out to look after themselves.  

It was early January – not the traditional time to celebrate Mother’s Day, but in the name of productivity, that is, writing an article, Mom joined me on a story. The topic was spending Mother’s Day at a spa. Well, my mom, who has never spent a day at a spa in her life, agreed, shaking her head, most likely wondering how we could be related! Truthfully, I knew if it was for a work reason, she would oblige to a little pampering.

We got an early start, driving north to Carefree, Ariz., to the Boulders Resort Golden Door Spa. The spa, surrounded by huge boulders, is the ultimate relaxation resort. It includes swimming pools and scenic walking paths, and purple and pink bougainvillea adorn the garden area.

Our day at the spa got off to a slow start. We basked in the warm sunlight, and I happily munched on low-fat muffins and an egg-white omelette, while sitting by a small bubbly stream. Mom looked at me helplessly, not sure what to do. She seemed tense about relaxing, as she’s not well versed in sitting around and being served.

Soon, Mom found her comfort zone, as I showed her the day’s activities – yoga, Pilates, a shiatsu massage for her and a hot rocks one for me, and afternoon tea.  

Moments later, we walked into the yoga room. It was mirrored and calming – well, until a limber-looking woman walked in. She introduced herself, and then to my chagrin, I realized I was in an advanced class.

Slightly mortified, I thought positive thoughts, hoping the good energy might help me survive the next hour. The class commenced. My mother, who avidly practices yoga, immediately immersed herself. People twice my age were smiling at the mirrors and posing gracefully. Meanwhile, I was wondering if I was going to be able to peel myself off the floor. Mom was grinning, putting herself in pretzel positions, while I was simply trying to breathe. Most of the class, I counted down the minutes, wondering how to stylishly contort myself into the positions, while keeping in mind that I wanted to make sure I would be able to untangle myself!

My mother, always one who makes the most of everything, took a second hour of yoga. I looked at her admiringly and said, “I’m going to have to sit this one out and take notes for the story.” Truthfully, I was thinking, I’d have a better chance to survive bungee jumping off the highest bridge in South Africa than another hour of yoga!

The rest of the day consisted of more classes, amazing massages and a British-style tea. Mom was more relaxed than I have seen her in ages. She nearly ran a red light on the way home, because she was so chilled out.

My mission was complete – bond with my mother, spend the day being pampered and create some fun memories – and have a good story to write.

There are many options for Mother’s Day – spending time together, sending a card to your mother or phoning her. Just fulfil one of the basic commandments.

Truthfully, I’m still not quite so sure what made me cry more, the yoga or the onions, but spending time with your mom, whether in the kitchen or the yoga room, is how memories are created. The key is having fun and being productive… Wait, did I just say that? I’m starting to sound like… well, Mom!

Happy Mother’s Day!

Masada Siegel is a freelance writer living in Scottsdale, Ariz.