The other night I came home from a late dinner with a friend. (Note to moms: A great time to go out and catch dinner with a friend is right after the kids go to sleep. We tuck our kids in, kiss our hubbies bye and take off for a late din din – It’s super!). I got home a little past 11:00 PM and noticed a big beautiful bouquet of flowers on my front door step. Now who in the world would: A. Bring me flowers? and B. Leave them late at night?

The plot thickens. I walk up to my steps and look for the card. No card. I notice a bag sitting next to the flowers. Surely the card is in there. No card. Instead I find the following “red” items: Four red peppers, plump and fresh. A red Pillsbury container holding cherry turnovers, ready to bake in the oven. And a red heart cake that says: “Super Mom” on it with the official Superman logo. I’m standing there perplexed, confused, not sure what to do. Perhaps they have the wrong house? Do I take the things in? Ok, I guess they’re for me, I think uncertain.

My husband doesn’t have a clue (of course he didn’t answer the door bell). I call my mom about something else and of course have to tell her about the mystery goodies. First thing she says: “Don’t you eat that unless you know who it’s from!” I chuckle. Of course that’s what a mom would say.

But I do wonder if it’s safe. I think this because I can’t figure out who would do such a thing. I mean, we moms are not exactly used to getting praises, you know. It’s not like there’s a committee out there ready to sing me (or any other mom) songs of gratitude. Motherhood is one of those jobs that you do because you love - not because of the paparazzi wanting to snap your photo and print it on the cover of People.

The next day comes and surely the person would call me and say, “Oh did you get the things I left for you on your front porch?” No calls. Hmm. It takes a few days, but finally after some massive interrogating and accusing an innocent bystander, I figure out who the person is. But I won’t tell you.

Instead, I want to leave this message with you: Sometimes something so thoughtful comes right when you need it. I’m not really a “Super Mom,” but just for a moment, this person made me feel like I was pretty special. May we all take the time to tell another mom just how special she is. Red is the color.