Mother’s Day—Not Just Once a Year

Mother’s Day is upon us this Sunday, and with it comes the reminder to appreciate our mothers for the love and support they’ve provided us throughout the years.

This Mother’s Day, as I’ve just returned to the United States from a two week trip with my 83-year-old mother, I slap my own hand. During my visit in Israel, work didn’t stop—I was bombarded with business, writing, and research that needed to be done. I’ve realized that work is something that can always wait… spending quality time with my mother can’t.

The time I spend and memories I create with my mother are irreplaceable. When we look back on our lives we realize that the things that matter are relationships with our loved ones.

Motherhood extends far beyond the sleepless nights of taking care of infants, supporting toddlers when they take their first steps, and believing in children throughout their academic years. My mother is involved in every aspect of my life. She supports my dreams and goals. She is there for me in my excitement and disappointment, my happiness and pain, and my success and failures—my mother is with me all the time, even from a distance. Do I recognize this enough? Or do I need to be reminded?

The message of respect, appreciation, and recognition for our mothers that comes with Mother’s Day should be our every day attitude—a concept that shouldn’t be executed only once a year, on Mother’s Day.

At times, I wonder if Mother’s Day lost its value by turning into another commercial holiday—cards, flowers, gifts and a phone call. I trust that appreciating and spending time with our mothers should be an unconditional and regular part of our lives—not just a once-a-year occurrence. This Sunday, I challenge you with my own resolution. Let’s remember the message of respect, appreciation, love, giving, and recognition inherent in Mother’s Day and on an ongoing basis. Let’s spend more time and share more with our mothers. Mothers do not last forever—I hate for us to realize what we missed when it’s too late. Don’t let the physical distance come between you—keep your mother with you every moment of your life. Our mothers are an important and central part of our lives.

Let your mother know how much you love and appreciate her--not only on Mother’s day but every day!

Happy Mother’s Day.

Michelle

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