Here’s an interesting fact about Mother’s Day — Anna Jarvis, the creator of Mother’s Day, HATED what it became.
Her original vision (which she lobbied for a decade to achieve) was a heartfelt and religious tribute to mothers, held on a Sunday, merely meant to be celebrated with a carnation and a letter filled with love and meaning. And instead…it is what it is.
Anna Jarvis spent ten years of her life fighting to create Mother’s Day, and once it became a commercialized celebration, she spent the rest of her life fighting to stop it.
“A printed card means nothing except that you are too lazy to write to the woman who has done more for you than anyone in the world. And candy! You take a box to Mother—and then eat most of it yourself. A pretty sentiment.” —Anna Jarvis
Now I am sure mothers around the world are happy to recieve printed cards, candy, jewelry, trips to the spa, and all that cool stuff. But more than any material gift, all your mom REALLY wants today is your time, your love, and your attention.
If you’re lucky enough to spend Mother’s Day with your mom today, listen to her when she talks. Ask her to tell you stories about her childhood. Soak it up while you can, and let her know how much you love her. It’s the best present you could get for either of you.
I wish you all a very Happy Mother’s Day!
Although my thoughts maybe in Hallmark form 🙂 I choose a card that reflects the depth of love and gratitude I feel for Mom and you know we don’t like verbose cards 🙂 we speak frequently about what her life was and is and what we hope for the future – as I would love her to reach 104 as her granny did but without the terrible arthritis – as you may have been told her granny didn’t become senile – so I wish that clarity of memory for her too..and I wish that her daughters and grandaughters age as she is doing. And to those who are actual mothers – Happy Mother’s Day! and to my sister – may this happen for you sometime soon.