Photo by Our Enchanted Garden

This Sunday represents a difficult challenge for many soccer fans in the United States who are looking forward to watching the title decider between Manchester United against Chelsea. On one hand there is the biggest game of the season. But on the other hand, we have our civic duty to honor Mother’s Day, which falls on the same day. I don’t know about you, but I have a wife (who is a mother), my mother and my mother-in-law (both of whom live nearby) who all have high expectations on this special day of the year for them especially. Flowers, breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner — it’s going to be a hectic day in The Gaffer’s life. Finding time to watch the game in any way possible is going to be a challenge. Watching it live will be nearly impossible.

On top of that, my eldest daughter’s birthday is this Saturday. We typically celebrate it on the Sunday closest to her birthday so all of our family members can have a party for her. That day is this Sunday also.

For me, having all of these duties is a tough pill to swallow. I love soccer and could watch it all day long without getting the least bit bored. And it doesn’t get any better than Manchester United against Chelsea in a critical match this Sunday. But try as I might, it’s going to be impossible to watch it live without extremely offending one of the women in my life. And, as hard as it is, my family comes before my soccer.

Some of you may know this, but Mother’s Day in the United States is on a different day in the United Kingdom. In Britain, Mother’s Day is the fourth Sunday of Lent, so typically the day falls in early April. In the United States, it’s the second Sunday of May. So while our friends in the United Kingdom have it easy, those of us here in the United States have to juggle priorities, bargain with our wives and mothers, or just take a stand.

Don’t worry. I’m not suggesting that the Premier League change its schedule to accomodate those of us in the United States. It’s just a fact of life right now. While this season doesn’t end until May 22 because of a late start to the season after the 2010 World Cup, previous Premier League season have ended on May 9 (2009-10 season), May 11 (2007-08 season) and so on. So, in many ways, it’s been worse in previous years because the finale of the Premier League season, when we typically watch the relegation battle being played out before our eyes, falls on Mother’s Day in the States.

This Sunday I’ll be recording the game on my DVR and will find some time Sunday night to watch it in peace and quiet. But what about you? How are you going to watch the game Sunday while having to celebrate Mother’s Day with your mother? Share your stories in the comments section below.