My mom and I.

Mother
by George Cooper

Hundreds of stars in the deep blue sky,
Hundreds of shells on the shore together,
Hundreds of birds that go singing by,
Hundreds of birds in the sunny weather.

Hundreds of dewdrops to greet the dawn,
Hundreds of bees in the purple clover,
Hundreds of butterflies on the lawn,
But only one mother the wide world over.

Mothers play an important role in their children’s lives.  They not only give them life, but nourish their children as they grow and mature into adulthood.  Mothers of adult children can give wise advice and be a great, loyal friend.  Eventually they become grandmothers, who anxiously wait to baby-sit your children.  A mother’s role in life changes as she grows older.

Solomon writes in Ecclesiastes, ”There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven” (3:1).  Regardless of what season your mother is in, whether she has a brand-new infant or is a great-grandmother, the United States sets this Sunday to celebrate mothers.  

If you are trying to figure out what to do for your mom, I wrote an article, “Mother’s Day Ideas.”  In it, I ask some basic questions to get your creative juices flowing.  Check it out if you are suffering from a lack of ideas. 

For some people, Mother’s Day is a difficult day as they reflect and remember the deceased.  I think that is why I chose to use the above poem.  We all have one mother and when she is gone, we only have memories.  I will be remembering my grandmother on Sunday as well as my mother-in-law, my step-mother and of course my own mom.  This might look like a long list, but there is only one of each of them, which makes them special.  I also have a different kind of  relationship with each of these ladies.  

I hope that you take the time to make your mother feel special and appreciated.  I know that mothers often perform thankless jobs, but Sunday remember to not take them for granted.  For all the mothers who read this, know that I wish you a very Happy Mother’s Day.

Sunday is Mother’s Day.  You have less than a week to plan something to do for your mother.  So as a mom, let me tell you what mothers like.  Here is my top ten list.

Top Ten Gifts for Mother’s Day

10. Mothers love not cooking, cleaning, or doing the dishes on Mother’s Day. Allow her the day off, but don’t leave it all for her on Monday morning.  Give her the gift of work and do them for her.

9.  Mothers love to receive a sweet card. Cards do not have to play music to be great gifts.  A card that you make out of construction paper or with computer software mean a lot to a mother.  If you don’t have time, you can select one from a store, but make sure that you don’t just sign your name.  Take the time to write a special message to your mom.

8.  Mothers like to receive flowers. Purchase her favorite flower(s).  You can also buy a rose bush or plant that she can add to her flower garden.  Then it is a permanent reminder of your love.  My youngest sons just presented me with a large bouquet of wildflowers from our pasture.  It was beautiful and sweet at the same time.

7.  Mothers love to have a recent photograph of their family. Get a friend to take the photographs.  Make sure that you take several shots of each pose.  This helps ensure that you get at least one good picture.  You can also hire a professional photographer depending on how much you want to spend.

6.  Mothers enjoy going to church as a family. If this describes your mother, then find out when church service begins and surprise her.  Or, let her know beforehand so that she has something to look forward to all week.

5.  Mothers like to be pampered. You can give them a massage and/or manicure in the comfort of their home.  You can also buy a gift certificate from a spa and let a professional do the job.  Either way, mom feels great.

4.  Mothers enjoy being taken out to dinner or cooked for at home. This may seem like a repeat of number ten, but mothers do not want to slave in the kitchen for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.  You can serve her breakfast in bed, cook a great lunch, and eat leftovers for supper.  If you cannot do all three meals, at least provide one meal for her.

3.  Mothers like to receive homemade or store-bought gifts that show how much you love them. Really think about your mom.  What would she like?  What does she need?  Select something just for her.  Please do not buy her a toaster, a big screen television, or a weed-eater unless she specifically requests these gifts.

2.  Mothers really want to be appreciated. We work really hard for our families every day.  Take the time to show them gratitude for all that they do for you.  Do not take them for granted.  Tell them, “Thank you.”

1.  Mothers want to be with their kids on Mother’s Day. Don’t fill your schedule so full that you do not make the time to visit with your mom.  For some people, this is impossible because of your circumstances; however, you can visit with your mom on the phone or via Skype.  Make sure that you call.  Don’t wait for her to call you.

Obviously, this list is for mothers in general.  You know your mother best.  Regardless of what you think, the thought is what really counts to mothers.

In honor of Mother’s Day, I thought that I would leave this video in case you have not already seen it.  It is inspiring to see the love and care that mothers of all kinds are capable of providing.  This video showcases some truly extraordinary mothers when you would least expect it.

I want to personally say “Happy Mother’s Day!” to all the mother’s out there.  This video is in honor of you and what you do daily for your families.  I hope you enjoy it.