This coming Sunday, May 12, is Mother’s Day.

This is a day for all children, young and not-so-young, all across America to honor the women who gave them love and guidance as they were growing.

According to History.com, celebrations of mothers and motherhood can be traced back to the ancient Greeks and Romans who held festivals to honor the mother goddesses Rhea and Cybele.

Mother’s Day arose in the 1900s due to the efforts of Anna Jarvis.

Her mom, Ann Reeves Jarvis, was a social activist during the Civil War era.

Following her mother’s 1905 death, Anna Jarvis conceived of Mother’s Day as a way of honoring the sacrifices mothers make for their children.

In 1914, according to History.com, President Woodrow Wilson established the second Sunday in May as Mother’s Day.

Over the years, as with other holidays, Mother’s Day has become commercialized with flowers, cards, candy and jewelry being the usual gifts given to mothers.

There are, however, many other ways to honor one’s mother on this special day:

• Make a card for her instead of buying one.

• Cook her breakfast and then serve it to her in bed.

• Give her the day off from cooking and doing other household chores.

• Call her, even if it is just to say hello.

No matter how you honor her, the best gift you can give your mother is to let her know how much you love her and appreciate the sacrifices she has made for you.

On a plaque in my house is written: “A mother’s heart is like a rose, always open, always loving.”

Happy Mother’s Day.

Susan Bryant

editorial assistant

Parkland Press

Northwestern Press