“I Love You, Mom!”

by Sharon Quercioli

Mothers are caring, giving, kind, loving, and most of all, our best friends. They are cooks, tutors, chauffeurs, seamstresses and nurses. They take care of us and make sure that we grow up healthy and happy. Moms have our best intentions in their hearts. How can we possibly show them how much we appreciate them? Do something different this year to celebrate Mother’s Day. Here are a few ideas:

Write Something for Her

Consider writing your mom a poem. Create a photo album of your favorite moments and include some of your mother’s favorite sayings. Compile your favorite words of wisdom from your mom and put them all in a book. Write a letter telling her how much she means to you and how much you appreciate her and love her. We can never say that too much to those we love.

Do Something Different Besides a Bouquet of Flowers

I adore flowers and so do most mothers. They are appreciated, but let’s do something a little different. Flowers smell lovely and are beautiful, and they brighten up a room, but here are some unique ideas to try out:

• Buy her a beautiful potted plant. It will last much longer, and she can plant it in her garden.
  
• I love herbs and potted vegetables. How about buying her herbs or potted vegetables. If your mom loves to cook, this would be a great way to enhance her cooking experience.
  
• Create a goodies basket. Wrap silk flowers around a wicker basket. Then fill the basket with her favorite things: gift cards,  gardening tools, spa & skin care items, craft supplies, snacks, etc.
  
• For moms that love foodie items, a fruit basket in the shape of bouquets are great alternatives. Or maybe chocolate covered strawberries.

Quality Time!

Mothers always love to spend time with their children. Plan sometime doing the things she likes to do (going to the spa, having lunch at her special place, maybe going on a hike or even a walk on the beach).

Extend a Helping Hand

Mothers love a helping hand … run errands, be her chauffeur for a day, have her house cleaned. Is there a task that your mother doesn’t enjoy? Maybe you can offer to do that task for her. Think outside the box and know that she will love anything that you do for her.

Public Acknowledgements

Public acknowledgement might not be everyone’s cup of tea. Some mothers are shy and bashful. Keep your mom’s personality in mind if you are considering a public acknowledgement. If you’re mother isn’t super bashful, there are some great things you can do, including:

• Make a call to her favorite radio station, and ask them to play one of her favorite songs. Leave a personal message for her as well!
  
• Plan a get together. This might mean a Mother’s Day brunch or a night on the town. Is your mother outdoorsy? Maybe she would prefer a Mother’s Day hike with friends or a walk on the beach? If she like games, maybe plan a game night with family and friends.

Take Her on a Trip

Some people prefer going on a trip and creating memories. Whatever you do makes it magical and special. 

Here are a few examples of things you might plan: 

• A Spa Day
• Hiking a scenic trail
• Visiting a national park
• Go on a bike ride.
• Go on a daytrip or car-ride together.
• Rent a boat and tour a lake or go fishing.
• Camping
• Have a picnic at a park. 

Better yet, why not sign up for a class together! It is an experience without having to go far or block out a week for a trip. Cooking, pottery or ceramic class.

Make Her Something

You’re never too old to make someone a present. There’s something special about a thoughtful gift. When someone has spent precious time making you something, it can make you feel so loved. If you’re having a hard time coming up with ideas, try some of these:

• Make a playlist of songs that she enjoys.
  
• Utilize your skills with a favorite hobby to make her something. Maybe that means knitting, crochet, woodworking, baking, leatherworking, paper crafting, jewelry making, soapmaking, or even learning how to play her favorite song for her.
  
• Recreate your favorite childhood pictures and frame them alongside the new versions.

Buy Her a Gift

This might seem generic and too vague, so let’s narrow it down. When it comes to buying Mother’s Day gifts, remember that this gift should represent what she means to you. It should also be something that she isn’t able to get for herself—for one reason or another. Moms put their family’s needs before their own. This is one way you can show her that you appreciate her.

Lastly…

No matter how you show your appreciation for your mother on Mother’s Day, one thing is certain: as long as your feelings and intentions are genuine, your mom will be appreciative. Happy Heavenly Mother’s Day! You are missed every day of my life.