No mother and no son. Mom’s day solo in Medellín. I have one kid. He’s 22. I wasn’t going to write about this but for any woman in their 50s making a big move later in life, this is for you. And if you are a man, share with your women friends.
I decided to head to Envigado. Never been and it was on my list. Ended up by Calle Jardín to celebrate life and the blessing to have this opportunity to be in Medellín at this stage in my life. I walked into Terrenal Bar & Carbon to live music of oldies but goodies in Spanish of course. The music my Abuelita used to listen to.
Guess what? I was surprisingly okay solo on Mother’s Day. No guilt trips from anyone, not even the critical voice that lives in my head from time to time. I don’t give it too much room these days.
But there was one moment when I noticed the mom and son sitting next to me at the restaurant. She was reading a letter he wrote to her and I thought “
She did good”. I mean the young man took the time to write that long letter. That means something. Doesn’t it? She thanked him, they hugged and I looked away. Split second feeling of “Wish that were me” and then the food came.
I had ordered the Chicharrón Toleado and a glass of Santa Carolina Reservado Rose. Food was so good, that while eating I had forgotten I was sitting there by myself. Total cost for this delicious experience was $54,200 Colombian Pesos ($14.33 USD). I remember thinking, “Where in the world would I get a good glass of rose in NYC for $4.24?”. For a minute I felt like I had been missing out. What a steal. That was my first glass of wine since I landed in Medellín back in March. Not really drinking these days. Don’t feel the need to but for that one day so worth it.
For the rest of the afternoon, I had a nice stroll around that area of Envigado. Love me some dessert and no meal feels complete without it. I know, sugar is not good for you blah blah. Guilty of ignoring that. So, I stopped at a bakery for coffee and dessert. Ordered a Tres leches and coffee, total cost around $7.83 USD. Tres leches not memorable. Coffee was fantastic. For that reason alone, I would stop there again. And that was my Solo 2026 Mother’s Day in Envigado. No complaints here.
Is Mother’s Day another overrated commercial holiday or a meaningful day? I’ll let you decide. Personally, I’d rather show up when I’m needed and not because someone or something told me I had to.
Have you spent a holiday away from loved ones and surprised yourself?
