CELEBRATING MOM ON MOTHER’S DAY – by Miriam Rees

Mother’s Day — a day to celebrate the incredible women who brought us into the world, cared for us, and shaped us into who we are today. There truly is no greater joy than being a mom.

Those precious moments — watching your little ones grow, seeing their personalities bloom, holding them for the first time, hearing their first laugh — create memories that last a lifetime. This kind of love is like no other. It’s unconditional, selfless, and a true blessing from God.

As Psalm 127:3–5 reminds us:

“Don’t you see that children are God’s best gift? The fruit of the womb His generous legacy. Oh, how blessed are you parents, with your quivers full of children!” (MSG version)

THE TRUE MEANING OF MOTHER’S DAY

Unlike other holidays filled with shopping and elaborate plans, Mother’s Day is about heartfelt appreciation. It’s not about expensive jewelry, fancy electronics, or trendy gifts — it’s about love, time, and gratitude.

When my boys were little, my favorite Mother’s Day gifts were always the handmade treasures from school — flower pens, clay creations, hand-painted pots, or cards filled with love and misspelled words. Those were priceless.

Now that they’re grown, I don’t expect gifts. What matters most is time. Whether it’s breakfast made by my boys, fresh flowers from the garden, or simply being together — those are the gifts that mean the most to me.

MEANINGFUL GIFT IDEAS FOR MOM

If you’re looking for thoughtful ways to show love this Mother’s Day, here are a few simple but meaningful ideas:

• 🌸 Plant her favorite flower in a decorative pot — especially if it’s planted by you.
• 🐦 Decorate a birdhouse she can hang in her garden.
• 🖼️ Frame a special photo of you or your family.
• 🍽️ Cook her favorite meal or surprise her with breakfast in bed.
• 🌳 Spend the day outdoors at her favorite park, zoo, or beach.
• 🧺 Plan a picnic and fill it with her favorite snacks and memories.

The best gift of all is your time — time to laugh, talk, reminisce, and simply be together.

THIS YEAR LOOKS DIFFERENT

This year, Mother’s Day will look a little different for me. My mom passed away, and while the day will still be filled with love, it will also carry a touch of sadness and reflection.

For the first time, I’ll be celebrating both as a mother and as a daughter who misses her own mom deeply. I’ve realized that Mother’s Day isn’t just about giving gifts or receiving them — it’s about honoring the bond that shaped you.

I’ll spend the day remembering her — her voice, her laughter, her hugs, and all the lessons she quietly taught me through her actions. I might visit a place that reminds me of her or simply sit outside with a cup of coffee, thanking God for the years I had with her.

Loss changes the way we celebrate, but it doesn’t take away the love. It only deepens it. This year, I’ll celebrate her life, her influence, and the gift of having been her daughter.

CHERISH EVERY MOMENT

If motherhood has taught me anything, it’s how quickly time passes. The days that once felt long — filled with diaper changes, school runs, and late-night talks — eventually turn into memories that you’d give anything to relive just one more time.

Every season of life brings changes — kids grow up, move away, and build lives of their own. But the love shared between a mother and her children never fades. It simply grows in new ways, through phone calls, visits, or even quiet prayers for each other.

Cherish every single moment you’re given. Be present. Take photos, laugh often, and say “I love you” more than you think you should. Because one day, those simple moments will be the ones that mean the most.

WHO IS “MOM” TO YOU?

Maybe your mom is no longer with you. Maybe she wasn’t present in your life, or maybe someone else stepped into that role — a grandmother, a sister, a dad, or another loving figure.

Mother’s Day is a time to appreciate whoever filled that space in your heart — the one who nurtured you, supported you, and helped shape you into the person you are today.

If your mom is in heaven, honor her by remembering your favorite moments together. Reflect on the love you shared and the lessons she taught you.

I’ve been blessed to have both my parents in my life, and my boys have been blessed the same way. But I know not everyone has that experience — and that’s why Mother’s Day is about love in all its forms.

FINAL THOUGHTS

No matter who “mom” is to you — your birth mother, stepmom, grandmother, foster mom, or mentor — celebrate her. Say thank you. Spend time together. Remember her kindness and her sacrifices.

Mother’s Day isn’t about what you give — it’s about who you honor and the love that connects you forever.