The Blessing of the Day

I hope your Mother's Day was special! Families throughout the world celebrate Mother' Day, but each seems to have their own roots, dates, and traditions. In the United States, Mother's Day is celebrated on the second Sunday in the month of May. It is a day set aside to recognize mothers, motherhood, and all maternal bonds. It is an opportunity and moment that everyone can share, simply because everyone has a mother. We can honor a memory, give tokens of love and appreciation, and enjoy the benefits of being a mother if we have been blessed by the opportunity. Roots to this day reach back to remembrance and honor of those mothers whose sons had died in war. President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed Mother's Day officially on May 9, 1914 and it was tradition that American citizens would display an American flag on that day to honor the mother's of those who had lost sons. Obviously, the meaning of Mother's Day and what it represents has morphed into something different as the years have progressed. It now is a day that all mother's are remembered, appreciated, and honored. Many families have their own unique traditions special to this day.

I've enjoyed browsing through blog posts by others, as there has been much sharing of happenings and doings. It's so special to hear about ways that families honor their mothers. Breakfast in bed seems to be popular, as does a special Mother's Day brunch or tea. I've heard of spa days (where the kids give a pedicure and dad paints mom's toenails!) and of many mothers who are receiving hanging baskets of flowers or flats of annuals to plant in their garden. Although the official Mother's Day flower was a carnation, I think it has blossomed to be simply flowers, now ninety-nine years later! I think most mother's would agree, that it is the thought that counts and simply being together as a family is the very best gift of all!

Our Mother's Day has been one of remembering our mom's (and grandmother's) and how they enriched our lives with love and guidance. Their memory is important to us and it is they who have made us into who we are today. It has also been a time to appreciate the blessings of today. Time spent together as a family, simply talking, doing something, and eating special foods. It's been fun to have the boys home and to enjoy a traditional, yummy brunch together! Just "being" is something I especially "savor" on a day like today!

I hope your day has been blessed as well!