The holiday known as Mother’s Day is not even a hundred years old, but thanks to the hard work of two pioneering women of their times, Julia Ward Howe and Anna Jarvis, it is now an internationally recognized holiday. Julia Ward Howe, an activist, writer and poet is best known for writing the song, Battle Hymn of the Republic. She tirelessly fought, for a Mothers’ Peace Day observance every June 2nd. It wasn’t until 1911 that the day actually came into existence. Between the years of 1870-1872, Anna Jarvis, who never had any children, wrote letters to people in power to honor her mother. Her hard work paid off. By 1911, Mother’s Day was celebrated in almost every state in the Union and on May 8, 1914 President Woodrow Wilson signed a Joint Resolution designating the second Sunday in May as Mother’s Day.
Today the festival of Mothers day is celebrated across 46 countries (though on different dates) and is a hugely popular affair. Millions of people across the globe take the day as an opportunity to honor their mothers, thank them for their efforts in giving them life, raising them and being their constant support and well wisher.
My mother, Kathryn Francis Copeland, passed away in 1994 at the age of 58. Kaye, as she was known to friends and family, died of lung cancer. Mom was born the 7th of 13 children to an Irish Catholic farming family in Parnell, Iowa and moved to California with her best friend at the age of 22. Privately, my mom was filled with insecurity and self-doubt, like many women of her generation, but to me she was an amazingly strong woman who loved and supported us all while setting an incredible example of good parenting. She was everything right in a mom. She tirelessly cleaned our messy house, cooked us nutritious meals and cleaned our stinky clothes. Growing up, she assisted with homework, got me to little league practice and helped me deliver the Sunday edition of the San Jose Mercury News (at 6:00 am). She was patient, compassionate, nurturing and at times, strict. It pains me that she never got to meet her amazing granddaughters, Hannah and Claire, and I miss her every day.
It is with pleasure that I share with you a few mom thoughts from family, friends and business associates of mine.
My mom was a joy to know and be around — Mike, 50 years old.
My mom was incredibly fashionable and quick witted.–Julie, 51 years old.
My mom was always there for me. It didn’t matter if I was the little kid who fell off his bike, I struck out to end a Little League game or as an adult family man with worries about my own children, she always found the time to console or offer advice. She also loved to laugh and was embodiment of the term “young at heart”.—Chris, 52 years old.
My mom is extremely aggravating.—Hannah, 15 years old.
My mom is more energetic at 89 years old than most people are at 39 years old.—Jamie, 46 years old.
My mom is the greatest cuddlier and she likes to tease me.—Camille, 14 years old.
My mom is a fancy. –Mia, 3 years old.
My mom is my everything. She’s my hero and inspiration.—Nicole, 44 years old.
My mom is the epitome of unconditional love. She has been, and continues to be, my pinnacle. I adore my mom.—Janet, 43 years old.
My mom is the main reason why anyone has ever paid me a compliment. –Frank, 51 years old.
My mom is a teacher and great grocery shopper.—Spencer, 15 years old.
My mom is my best friend. –Tricia, 39 years old.
My mother-in-law was one of the most amazing people I ever met. I feel truly blessed she was in our lives for as long as she was.—Zack, 42 years old.
My mom is sweet and nice.—Hannah, 9 years old.
My mom is inspiring, funny, pretty and always laughing. She always says, “Things happen for a reason.”—Sean, 42 years old.
My mom is my greatest supporter with everything I do.—Colby, 15 years old.
My mom is certifiable.—An adult who prefers to remain anonymous.
My mom is a mommy.—Grayson, 4 years old.
My mom was the epitome of grace and a really good cook.—Mitzi, 49 years old.
Mothers Day is a wonderful excuse, not that we should need one, to acknowledge and celebrate our moms. It’s a single day of the year where it is all about the mom. Make it special for your mom in some way, shape or form to express your love, appreciation and devotion. Remember, without your mom, chances are you wouldn’t be here.
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