Each year on the second Sunday of May, Mother's Day is celebrated in numerous Western countries, serving as a special occasion to honor and express gratitude toward motherly figures.
This holiday is certainly underrated when compared to Christmas and Valentine's Day. However, the opportunity and significance should not be underestimated.
Lana Van Dorn, an office manager at the School of Business at Walla Walla University and a devoted mother, shared her thoughts on Mother's Day and described it as a special “family gathering when the family can get together and celebrate.” [1]
Van Dorn enjoys doing yard work and she pointed out that “for years, I've always just wanted help in the yard, planting flowers, [and] pulling weeds.” [2]
Thomas Walter, a senior finance major, shared that Mother’s Day could be appreciated more. Walter pointed out, “I feel like this [Mother’s Day] is a pretty underrated holiday.” Walter mentioned that his family upholds a modest tradition for Mother’s Day. “My brothers, my dad, and I get up super early in the morning, we make our mom breakfast, bring it to her, and we let her guide the day,” shared Walter. [3]
Even though the holiday is called Mother’s Day, it is also a celebration of all maternal figures. Marissa Suter, a senior accounting major, mentioned, “I grew up thinking not only to celebrate my own mom, but all the motherly figures in my life.” Suter also shared that on Mother’s Day, she doesn’t only call her mother, she also calls her sisters to “wish them a happy Mother's Day,” as well as her grandmother, aunts, and cousins. [4]
Mothers and motherly figures are the backbones of families who provide love, care, and support. With Mother’s Day approaching, let’s not underestimate the significance of this holiday and always remember to show our appreciation for those who have done so much for us.
References
Interview with Lana Van Dorn, 5/5/2023.
Ibid.
Interview with Thomas Walter, 5/5/2023.
Interview with Marissa Suter, 5/5/2023.
