Mother’s Day has been celebrated in the United States since 1908 since Ana Jarvis held a memorial for her mother in West Virginia. Though it took until 1911 for all states to officially recognize Mother’s Day, today it is celebrated throughout the country. In 1914, Woodrow Wilson signed a proclamation designating Mother’s Day, held on the second Sunday in May, as a national holiday to honor mothers.
Jarvis did not like the commercialism that came with this special day. In the early 1920’s Hallmark Cards cashed in on this special day. They urged everyone to give mom a card to show how much you truly care. Next came carnations, candy, and other gifts.
Is that what mom really wants?
Don’t get me wrong. these are all nice gifts and mom will probably enjoy them. What she will really enjoy is knowing that you took the time to remember her. And if you ask any Mom today what they most want for Mother’s Day the answer may surprise some. Most Moms, especially aging moms, will tell you they want time. Time with their children and grandchildren is the most requested gift. Time is the commodity they are running out of. It is what they treasure most of all. Skip the flowers and candy they will tell you. Give me time.
I know, it’s easier to get a card and flowers or maybe a box of candy.
You’re busy. I get it. But just like anything else in your life that is important to you, you have to make time. You will not regret it. Just ask your friends who no longer have their Mom. Here are some ideas of ways that you can spend quality time with mom. And yes, when you try you will find it’s not that hard to fit into your schedule.
- Daughters might give mom a certificate for a monthly Mani/Pedi and lunch. Let’s face it you need some down time and mom needs you. It’s really a win/win. Think of the memories you will be creating. Have a teenage daughter, bring her along.
Okay, what about a son?
A Son could give mom a certificate for a half day of honey do’s each month. Mom needs help around the house. You know she is going to call you to do things anyway. Why not make it easy for both of you? If Mom knows that you will be at her house the first Saturday of every month to help out she won’t have to keep calling and asking for your help. She can just have a list ready when you arrive. After the list is done go out for lunch or a coffee somewhere to just catch up.
Too busy still?
Hire 
a home care company or a yard man to help mom with a lot of the chores you may be taking care of for her. Things like shopping, cooking, yard work, transportation can really drain your energy. If you are taking care of these things for mom now, you need help.
This will free up some of your time so you can spend time doing something fun each month with Mom. Now that’s a gift she will love. You could schedule a date to take her shopping to a movie, the theater or out to dinner. Now that you aren’t so stressed trying to do everything for two households you will be able to enjoy mom. Now that’s quality time.
Help Mom Make Plans For The Future
Help Mom to get her affairs in order. Mom may need some help with financial and legal planning. Take Mom to an Estate Planning Workshop at Hilbun Law Firm. There is no cost or obligation. By coming to the workshop together you will both know what documents may be needed. You may realize that you need to do a bit of planning also. Knowing that you and mom now have a plan for the future will take a lot of stress off your shoulders. Mom will sleep better and so will you!
These are just a few ideas of how you can honor mom this Mother’s Day. Get creative. See what other ideas you can think of.
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