Happy Mother’s Day!!
May is the month for many things, but the most important of all, is the day we celebrate our moms—Mother’s Day. Mother’s Day became an official holiday on the calendar back in 1908. It actually started, however, way before that. The idea was first conceived by Ann Jarvis after the Civil War as a way to bring mothers together who had lost their sons in the war—both Union and Confederate moms. Its purpose was to give these women a chance to grieve and heal together, to honor these women who had sacrificed their own, and to bring reconciliation to the nation.
Ann’s daughter, Anna, continued the tradition and ended up taking it even further until it became an official holiday back in 1908. Sadly, Anna later tried to have it revoked because she was so upset that the card and gift industries turned it into something so commercialized and profit-seeking. She failed to get it done, but quite honestly, I’m glad she didn’t succeed. In the say way so many have turned Christmas into a gift-buying, Santa-saturated, decoration-deluged holiday, that isn’t what it is really about. And no one is being forced to buy into it (pun intended). Christmas…Halloween…Mother’s Day—they are all whatever we choose to make them.
I also have to say that since I have a mom, had the world’s most amazing and precious Granny, and because I am a mom and have raised three daughters who are now wonderful mommas themselves, I am glad we have an official day to recognize our efforts and labors of love.
I hope you feel the same and that you won’t let the day go by without letting your mom, the mom of your children, or the moms who are raising your grandchildren, know just how much they mean to you. If you are on the same ‘page’ as Anna Jarvis and don’t want to buy into the commercialization of it all, that’s fine. Chances are the mommas in your life aren’t concerned about getting a tangible gift. They just want to know they are loved and appreciated for who they are, aka “Mom”.
Keeping that in mind, let’s talk about a few gift ideas that will make her feel as special as she actually is…
- Sorry, Anna, but cards are a favorite among moms. The sweet messages (store-bought or handmade) are kept and treasured for years. Don’t believe me? Take a look inside a dresser drawer or box of keepsakes belonging to any mom on the planet. You’ll find plenty of cards. Trust me.
- Showing up to visit, recall fond memories, laugh about mishaps, and sharing ‘now’ moments are priceless to a mom.
- A helping hand. Mowing her lawn (not just on Mother’s Day), making sure her car is in safe working condition, dropping in with a homemade casserole she doesn’t bother to make for just one or two people, and regular phone calls just to check in or chat. Again, priceless.
- Photos of the grandkids and great grandkids.
- A day (or a few hours) out of the house. A Sunday drive, a picnic in the park, a visit with friends and/or family that don’t or cannot get out very often themselves, are all ways to let your mom know you care about her happiness.
- A new dress or blouse. Every gal likes getting something new to wear. It’s a fact.
- Tickets to a play or other event—one for her and one for YOU. This tells her something she desperately needs to know—that you want to spend time with her.
- Stock her pantry or pay a bill a couple of months ahead. Every senior has some degree of concern for their finances. Relieving some of the burden is a great way to express your love.
- Tell her you love her and say THANK YOU for being the mom you were and still are. Knowing you are glad and grateful for who she is and that she is your mom is worth all the money and stuff the world holds.
HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY
Guest post By Darla Noble
The views expressed by the author may not reflect the views of Age Safe America, LLC. The content here should not be taken as medical, legal or financial advice. The content here is for informational purposes only, and because each person is so unique, please consult your own healthcare, legal or financial professional with any questions.