Catherine Mihalick, Esquire, CTFA
As I was sitting at basketball tournament for my daughter Margaret this past week and in between whistles and eager parents’ cheering, I remembered that this coming weekend was Mother’s Day/My Day. Where will I be? Where will you be? I immediately called my sister in New York, who is also a mom, to plan our Mother’s Day gift to ourselves. When I say gift, it is not a new purse or a piece of jewelry, rather it is the gift of time. Of course, I still make it home in time on Sunday to see my family too!
Did you know that in 1914, President Wilson, established Mother’s Day as a national holiday? The second Sunday of May was conceived as a day to honor the sacrifices mothers made for their children by Anna Jarvis who lost her mom in 1905. Anna Jarvis initiated a massive letter writing campaign to newspapers and prominent politicians to urge the adoption of a special day honoring motherhood and as result of her efforts, Mother’s Day was born. Thank you Anna Jarvis!
According to History.com, “While Jarvis had initially worked with the floral industry to help raise Mother’s Day profile, by 1920 she had become disgusted with how the holiday had been commercialized. She outwardly denounced the transformation and urged people to stop buying Mother’s Day flowers, cards and candies.” While I still appreciate a nice card from my daughter, I am with Anna that the celebration can be simple and beautiful.
Often, moms are treated to a “day off” off from “household chores” or brunch with their families. Being with your family is special. Receiving flowers is fun. Enjoying special chocolates is always decadent too. To be honest, for me a special Mother’s Day after Margaret wishes me a “Happy Mother’s Day” is simply to celebrate my mom or at least her memory. My family and I lost our mother very unexpectedly several years ago and I miss her every day. I know that for many Mother’s Day is a painful reminder of the loss we have endured.
While I am a Mother, I have never really thought about Mother’s Day as my day. Rather, it’s always my mom’s day. So, for the last several years, I celebrate quietly but joyfully with my sister. We spend a day together and take comfort in knowing we are each a part of our mom and for that, we are grateful. We laugh about things she did and said, we remember times spent together like how she was with us when our children were born and often we even make a favorite recipe of hers just to remember and celebrate her life. On this special second Sunday of May, we celebrate, not with flowers or candy, but with wonderful memories and togetherness. We celebrate the bond of mother and child and we are grateful for all that she sacrificed for us. Lest us remember our mom’s and of course, celebrate with our families too. For me and I suspect many, the joys and sacrifices that we experience with and provide to our families comes from the joy we experienced with our moms and still do! This Mother’s Day may you find joy and happiness with your mom or in her memory and may you share that joy with your family. After all, that is what your mom would want most for you too.
HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY FROM VINSKO & ASSOCIATES, P.C.