Our Voices: Mother’s Day Is Over However Don’t Ever Stop Thanking Her

By: James B. Ewers Jr. Ed.D.

America celebrated Happy Mother’s Day on Sunday, May 11^th. This has been a longstanding and glorious tradition. Flowers, candy, dinner and cards were given to our moms on this special occasion.

History will tell us that Mother’s Day was originally celebrated on May 10, 1908 in Grafton, West Virginia at Andrews Methodist Episcopal Church. Since that time, it has become a treasured custom.

Mother’s Day has many spiritual and social components to it. Observing it is both heart-felt and filled with thanksgiving.

In my hometown of Winston-Salem, NC, everyone dressed in their Sunday best. I can remember my mom buying me a pair of Buster Brown shoes.

We went to church and afterwards my mom cooked a special meal. Going out to eat wasn’t the big deal that it is now.

Whatever the differences are, I believe the two constants are respect and love.

I watch a lot of college sports, and you will always hear student-athletes thanking their moms in some way. As we know there is an unspoken and innate connection that mothers have with their children. What that means is going the extra mile and pulling out all the stops to help.

Mothers are never in the way as they are always making a way to help us.

Mothers come to us in traditional and non-traditional ways. We have been the beneficiaries of their love and support.

If you are old enough and blessed enough to still have your mom living, you have probably become her friend, too. That means going out shopping and having dinner together at your favorite dining spot.

My mother passed away many years ago, so I couldn’t have that experience. Yet I had a strong mother-figure who gave me love and guidance.

You are probably not always going to agree with your mom. She is probably saying something that you don’t want to hear but you need to hear.

The pendulum of wisdom will always swing in the direction of our mothers. We should know that they have forgotten more than we know. Old school wisdom will solve what new school worry won’t.

I believe there are topics such as finances, raising children and relationships that mothers can provide coaching and counseling.

For example, money and relationships are problems with couples these days. Dollars and cents can spread to a lot of nonsense

According to reports, about 41% of modern-day couples not together now say that money problems led to their breakup. You may know someone who had that problem.

Remember the lyrics from The O’Jays when they sang, “I know that money is the root of all evil. Do funny things to some people. Give me a nickel brother, can you spare a dime? Money can drive some people out of their minds.”

So, listen to your mom who might be able to take you from shame to fame.

Another Happy Mother’s Day tribute won’t come around until May 10, 2026. Don’t wait until that day to honor your mom with a special day. Make time and be available for her now.

Life is too short to put off tomorrow what you can do today. Visit your mom today, not tomorrow. Call her today and don’t put it off until tomorrow.

Hug her while you can for as long as you can. Life has a way of being unpredictable. We are here today and sometimes in an instant we are gone tomorrow. Don’t live in regret by saying what you could have done, what you would have done and what you should have done. By then, it will be too late.

Take advantage of the hours and days that you have with your mother. Celebrate her and hold her high. It will make both of you happy.