As far back as memory serves, celebrating Mother’s Day has been to bestow Mom with cards, candies, flowers and Sunday Brunch. The actual history, I have discovered, really speaks to who the true person, ‘Mother’ really is.
Mother’s Day began in relationship with the Civil War. It began when women such as Julia Ward Howe, author of the “Battle Hymn of the Republic” and Ann Jarvis, hosted events such as Mother’s Work Days and Mother’s Friendship Days. These events were to recognize that mothers shared a deeper bond than wartime and battles. They gathered women from both the
Ann Jarvis was a social activist who raised money for medicine and hired help for moms suffering with illness. She envisioned this special occasion as a community service. After passing away, her daughter Anna pursued the federal recognition of Mother’s Day by holding a small memorial service in her honor, presenting mourners with Ann’s favorite flower, a white carnation.
In my view, there are many people that step into a mother’s role. The term is not just for someone who has ‘had a child’. There are many selfless, giving, caring and nurturing individuals who give to children, who make a difference in their lives. These role models do not look for praise for their efforts, just the personal knowledge that they have assisted and for the ultimate outcome that their good deeds ‘pay forward’. Thank you to all of the ‘Mothers’ out there and have a Happy Day on Sunday, May 8th!
-Cindy
