There’s nothing stronger than a mother’s love for her child, and so on Mother’s Day we celebrate this love by showing our appreciation for the very person who helped raise us, often putting our needs above all others.

Mother’s Day brings to mind moms being served breakfast in bed, showered with bouquets of bright flowers, and receiving homemade cards with their child’s crayon-traced handprints.

As we grow older, our Mother’s Day traditions grow too. A store bought card replaces the handmade; breakfast in bed becomes brunch at a special restaurant; flowers once placed in mom’s hands, might now instead be placed on her grave.

One thing that hasn’t changed much as we’ve grown older is our love for our mothers and our desire to express it. Here are some special ways we can pay tribute to our mothers this Mother’s Day, whether in person, or in memory.

Collect and Share Memories

Are there any special moments with your mom that stand out such as: a special family vacation?; a time your mom got especially mad at you for something naughty you did as a child?; an especially funny April Fool’s Day prank?; a time where the two of you had a falling out that ultimately brought you closer together?; or perhaps the earliest memory you have of her?

Ask any siblings, aunts, uncles, or close friends or family to also share at least one special memory of your mom with her on Mother’s Day. These memories can be shared in spirit, if not in person.

Make Your Own Mother’s Day Card

Finding the right Mother’s Day card can be daunting. Often the messages aren’t in line with the sentiments we’d actually like to express, so we end up settling, picking the card that at least comes the closest.

Why not consider making a homemade card? This way you can choose exactly what you wish to express, plus the authenticity will be appreciated!

Consider including a poem written by you (read on to find guidance on that), as well as your own artwork. It’s okay if you feel you’re terrible at drawing, there are plenty of step-by-step internet tutorials to help nearly everyone, no matter the skill level, create pretty decent artwork.

Put Together a Photo Tribute

Photos can feel like a gift in that they remind us of our life’s happy moments, some we had even forgotten about. There is a comforting clarity in seeing life’s most defining moments laid out before us, which your mom is likely to appreciate. A photo tribute can be something as simple as finding a dozen special pictures and showing them to your mom on Mother’s Day, or affixing them in chronological order on poster board. If distance doesn’t allow an in-person Mother’s Day visit with your mom, you can put together an e-slideshow or online photo album and email her the attachment or link.

Write Mom a Poem

Why not write your mom a poem? It’s surely a one-of-a-kind, heartfelt gesture. Whether it’s silly or sincere, your mom will be delighted. Not sure where to start? Consider writing a poem in a popular style such as a limerick or an ode. A limerick is a great choice for those with a sense of humor, as it is meant to be lighthearted, silly, and nonsensical. An ode can also be silly, but it can also be serious—that’s up to you. Limericks require rhyme, but with odes, it’s optional. Here are some YouTube videos to help you with writing either a limerick or an ode.

Ask Questions About Her Life

What are some things you don’t know about your mother? Do you know what she was like as a kid? Was there ever a time she got in big trouble by doing something particularly naughty? What were some of her happiest moments in life? What dreams did she have growing up? Did she ever have her heart broken? What was her relationship like with her parents and siblings? These are just some examples of the types of things you may wish to learn about your mother. If she is no longer here, another relative or close family member may be able to help answer some of your questions. It’s important to write what you learn down, so that it will be remembered. You may even wish for the information you collect to be the start of a biography on your mom.

Save a Space for Her at the Table

If your mother is no longer here, though her physical presence might be gone, her spiritual presence and the love that ties you together is not. Consider saving her a place at the table and lighting a candle in remembrance, and speak a few words about how you miss having her here.

Happy Mother’s Day to all moms here with us today, and those that live on in our hearts. Please call us, Raynor & D’Andrea Funeral Home, anytime at 1-800-737-0017.