I wish all Sunday readers and their mothers the very best celebration of their special day, which was formally established in America by President Woodrow Wilson in 1914:
(“Mother’s Day Proclamation,” https://www.scribd.com/doc/264676899/Mother-s-Day-Proclamation)
Mother’s Day is now celebrated in many countries, including in Europe, Africa, and Asia; but the holiday was first conceived in about 1905 by Anna M. Jarvis, a West Virginia high school teacher, in honor of her own mother, who had lost seven of her eleven children in early childhood. Anna Jarvis described her vision for Mother’s Day this way:
To revive the dormant filial love and gratitude we owe to those who gave us birth. To be a home tie for the absent. To obliterate family estrangement. To create a bond of brotherhood through the wearing of a floral badge. To make us better children by getting us closer to the hearts of our good mothers. To brighten the lives of good mothers. To have them know we appreciate them, though we do not show it as often as we ought… Mothers Day is to remind us of our duty before it is too late. This day is intended that we may make new resolutions for a more active thought to our dear mothers. By words, gifts, acts of affection, and in every way possible, give her pleasure, and make her heart glad every day, and constantly keep in memory Mothers Day.
(“Anna Jarvis & Mother’s Day,” https://womenwordswisdom.com/2019/05/09/anna-jarvis-mothers-day/)
Please enjoy your day. I shall, too, as I take a break from the chaos in the world and reflect on the many times my mother, a teacher and caregiver, imparted life lessons to me. Thank you, Mom. May your memory be blessed and may your granddaughters continue your heritage and do so each in their own personal way.
More Resources
“Mother’s Day Historical Marker,” https://explorepahistory.com/hmarker.php?markerId=1-A-35E
“Read the Original Mother’s Day Message,” https://time.com/3850695/mothers-day-2015-origins/
