OPINION
Happy Mother's Day!

Mother’s Day is this coming Sunday, May 13th. For centuries civilizations have celebrated this day honoring all mothers and express gratitude for the hardships they bear in bringing up a child. Most countries including US, Australia, Canada and India celebrate Mothers Day on the second Sunday of May.

Mother’s Day came into being due to the efforts made by Ms Julia Ward Howe and Ms Anna Jarvis. The Resolution for having a dedicated ‘Mother’s Day was signed by US President Woodrow Wilson on May 8, 1914. Since then people across the world have been celebrating Mothers Day with joy and devotion (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mother’s_Day).

The earliest history of Mothers Day dates back to the ancient annual spring festival that the Greeks dedicated to maternal goddesses. The Greeks used the occasion to honor Rhea, wife of Cronus and the mother of many deities of Greek mythology. In the 1600s England celebrated Mothering Sunday. It was held annually on the fourth Sunday of Lent to honor mothers. After a prayer service in church to honor Virgin Mary, children brought gifts and flowers to pay tribute to their own mothers (.http://www.mothersdaycelebration.com/).

Moms always have favorite saying that we remember throughout our lives. We probably even use those same saying today with our children. Here are a few of those quotes:
•Money does not grow on trees.
•Always change your underwear; you never know when you’ll have an accident.
• Be careful or you’ll put your eye out.
• You have enough dirt behind those ears to grow potatoes!
• Close that door! Were you born in a barn?
• If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all.
• Don’t put that in your mouth; you don’t know where it’s been!
• Be careful what you wish for, it might come true.
• Don’t eat those, they will stunt your growth.
• Just you wait until you have kids of your own - then you’ll understand

We gain knowledge through our mother’s nurturing. We gain compassion through her love. I found this quote that says it all.

Your arms were always open when I needed a hug. Your heart understood when I needed a friend. Your gentle eyes were stern when I needed a lesson. Your strength and love has guided me and gave me wings to fly.

Honor your mom with a special gift, or a thoughtful call. After all you wouldn’t be here without her.

Bonnie Nelson is a freelance writer living in Fountain, CO. If you have comments or questions, email her at waltbon@comcast.net

CONTACT THE WRITER • WALTBON@COMCAST.nET

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4-11-07 | 4-18-07 | 4-25-07 | 5-2-07