This is a picture of my Mama. That’s what we call our mothers in the South. She passed away when I was 10 years old.
When a child loses their mother, particularly at such a young age, navigating an already complex world becomes meandering a confusing, sometimes scary path – because there is no Mama Bear to show the way. We all know how essential a Mama Bear is in our journeys.
Most of the Mother’s Day gift ideas I’ve shared below and on NBC Daytime last week aren’t expensive; they are mostly loving deposits of time shared together. We all love that as moms.
My sisters Dee and Joy, and my four brothers are who I credit for making my journey growing up sweeter, easier, better. So on this Sunday morning, I will raise my protein shake to them and count my blessings, for I am called Mama by my own two sweet cubs.
1-Plant a tree with Mom ~ Give it to her with a ribbon tied around its trunk. Over the years, it will signify the strength of your relationship.
2-Add a Bird Feeder ~ Make it yourself or purchase it at a store. Watching colorful birds snack on seeds is a beautiful experience family members of all ages can enjoy.
3- Make a “Foot” Footstool ~ Mom adores everything about her children – even their 10 little piggies. Preserve a moment in time by imprinting the family’s footprints on a footstool.
4-Give to a Charity in Your Mom’s Honor ~ Choose one that will mean something special to her. Consider volunteering your time together at the organization.
5-Give Her an Experience ~ We tend to remember experiences more clearly than we remember material things. If she loves the ocean, take her on a sailboat for the day. Show her your house from a hot air balloon ride.
6-Be Her Personal Caddy ~ If golf is her passion, pay for a round and drive the cart. Bring her three favorite treats along for the two of you to share.
7-Make a Personalized Garden Stone ~ Purchase a garden stone from a nursery, or find your own, and stamp it with your child’s painted handprints in her favorite color.
8- Create a List ~ Write down all the reasons why you love mom, or all the reasons why you know she loves you. If you don’t have children, don’t be afraid to channel your inner-preschool self for backwards letters and misspellings. Preserve the list in a frame.
9-Plan a Family Day ~ Every mother loves spending time with her husband and kids, so create a day that’s fun for the whole family. Whether it’s riding bikes, going to brunch, seeing a movie, or going to the beach, the important thing is you’re all together.
10-Give Her a Mental Health Day ~ Your mom will be delighted when she finds the fridge stocked with her three favorite meals, her Kindle loaded up with some new books, and a stack of new magazines and movies set out on the table.
11-Schedule An Appointment All About Her ~ Get your mom in with a makeup artist, a fashion consultant, a closet organizer, a photographer, or a life coach.
12-The Best Gift From Dad: Sleep ~ Especially if there are infants or young children in the nest. Serve her breakfast in bed, clean the house, and don’t forget to empty the cat litter for goodness sakes! 🙂
