MOM – YOU’RE THE BEST!
May, the month of sunshine and flowers, outdoor bar-b-ques and most importantly for celebrating Mom. The second Sunday in May is the day we traditionally set aside to honor and celebrate Mom and to thank her for the many things she does for us without our even asking. Even though most of us probably don’t express it as often as we should, Mother’s Day is the official day to show the woman that raised us how much gratitude and affection we truly have for her.
Mother’s Day, as we know it today, began in 1905, when Anna Jarvis began publicly campaigning to make it a recognized holiday in the United States. She wanted to honor her mother, who was a peace activist and cared for wounded soldiers on both sides of the Civil War. Though the initial proposal was rejected by U.S. Congress, May 10, 1908 was the first celebrated Mother’s Day. By 1911 most states recognized Mother’s Day, and in 1914, President Woodrow Wilson officially declared the second Sunday in May as Mother’s Day.
For those of you that are fortunate enough to still have your mom around, count yourself fortunate and among the blessed. My Mom has been gone for 18 years now and there’s not a day that goes by that I don’t think of her and wish I had a little more time with her. I realize now how much I took for granite when she was still here. I would love to spend another afternoon sharing a great cup of coffee and some cookies while we each worked on our latest stitching or craft project. It may sound pretty simple and uneventful to you, but in those quiet times I learned patience, perseverance, dedication and, unfortunately, my perfectionism.
A Mother’s love is never ending, is unconditional, and is one I can’t imagine living without. A warm hug from Mom always did the trick after a fall off my bike or hurt feelings from the neighborhood kids picking on me. She would bandage up my knees or tell me to be strong and just ignore those mean kids. So, with my renewed strength and self-confidence, I ran back outside to play without any more problems at all.
Moms seem to know exactly what we need, most times before we know ourselves. They know how to listen and are ready to help solve our problems. Moms give great advice too, even though it might not be what we want to hear at the time. They are our biggest fan and ready to fight for us when things get tough. Mom – you’re the best!
My Mom taught me how important family is, that family always comes first, and family time is something of value and should be treasured. My Mom never cared if I bought her an expensive present or if I bought a present at all when all the holidays and birthdays rolled around. In her eyes, the important thing was that I was there spending time with her.
Mom instilled some great values in us, and we have gone to great lengths to teach our children the same. The greatest gift I can ask for this Mother’s Day is to simply spend time with my children. Whether it’s having dinner together or just sitting and catching up on how they’re all doing, I love the time we spend together. I count myself as blessed to have spent another day with them. Time spent with my family is never wasted time.
In case you’re still not sure of what to get Mom this year, I compiled a list of a few of the most meaningful things you can do for her. Take it from me, we really don’t always want or need presents, clothes, perfume or jewelry. Those gifts are truly appreciated, but there are other things I/we want even more.
Seven thoughtful gifts you can give from the heart that Mom will appreciate long after her special day has passed include:
1. Spend some time with her. Life gets too busy with jobs and having kids of our own. Carve out a day to spend together.
2. The gifts we will treasure forever are the homemade cards, handprints, and photo frames from our children that remind us what a blessing it truly is to be a mom.
3. Massage/Spa Day allows Mom to have some much needed ‘me’ time. Moms typically take care of everyone else before you take care of themselves. Show her how much you appreciate her with a gift certificate. SEE THIS MONTH’S SPECIAL!
4. A day free from the ‘Mom routine’ will give her some time to spend with her own mother, or a friend without worrying about her ‘Mom duties’.
5. Cook dinner for the day or even the week. What a rare treat if Mom doesn’t have to worry about what, when and how to feed the family along with making it.
6. A little extra sleep is not only appreciated but needed for the thousand and two things Mom does for us. Allow her the time to sleep in or take a nap throughout the day. She needs and deserves it.
7. Turn your Honey-Do list into a Honey-Done list. It will give everyone a chance to relax and enjoy a few jobs well done.
There are so many ways you can tell Mom how much you love and appreciate her on Mother’s Day and every day. And, it doesn’t require breaking the bank. Remember, the best gifts of all come from the heart. Time spent together is always time well spent.
Wishing all the Moms, Soon-to-be-Moms, Grandmas, Great Grandmas and Amazing Aunts a Wonderful Mother’s Day. You’re simply the best!