A simple wish for Mother’s Day: Flip the switch
I love being a mom of both a human and canine — and every year I take full advantage of Mother’s Day perks. While it really is “enough” just to be a mother to my son, Jake, and fur baby, Hunter, I love being showered with gifts. Is that terrible?
Last month I had no qualms “suggesting” that a sturdy wagon would be a nice option for Mother’s Day since Hunter, all 48 pounds of him, has a tendency to plop down on the grass (or even the sidewalk) during our early evening walks and not budge. On rare occasions I’ve had to carry him for a block or two (and I’m extremely thankful no one videotaped me struggling the entire time).

Our dog, Hunter, taking a break during a recent afternoon walk.
But after seeing how much those wagons cost, I told my husband it wasn’t necessary. They’re much more expensive than I imagined they would be.
So instead, I have a simple energy-saving request of Jake, who is 17. Perhaps, for the sake of the planet and my sanity, he could remember to turn off his night light.
We all have night lights in our bedrooms at home. It’s for safety — not because we’re afraid of the dark. I’d rather not go stumbling into the bed frame or wall on my way to the bathroom in the wee hours of the morning.

My son’s night light that rarely is turned off on school days.
When daylight arrives and after Jake leaves for school, I find myself walking past his bedroom and as sure as the sun rises every morning, his night light burns brightly under his desk. I stop whatever I’m doing and make a bee line to flip the switch.

A handmade Mother’s Day card that Jake crafted for me in Japanese language class last year.
On this Mother’s Day, a promise to turn off the night light so that your mama doesn’t have to would be a swell gift.
Jake: You remember to turn off the bedroom light, the bathroom light and even the oscillating fan in your room. Why not the night light?
Sure, I could get a “smart” night light so that it could be put on a timer (if you’re interested in cool energy-saving gadgets, check out the Hawaii Energy website). But why should we have to rely on technology to fix this problem? I suppose I could even request that Alexa remind him to turn off the tiny light fixture. Maybe that’s what it’ll take.
So on this Mother’s Day, know that I’m not asking for flowers or a wagon or even a Starbucks gift card (though I would never turn away any of those gestures). I simply want to spend some time with my Jakey Boy, Bubba (Hunter’s nickname) and their grandma, who is also my 84-year-old mother. And no longer turn off your night light.

Jake with his cousin, Ashlee, and their grandma, Ellen Tangonan, on Mother’s Day 2024.
About the Author: Shannon Tangonan