Mother's Day

For all of our married life it has been my habit to purchase cards for my sweet wife for special occasions such as Christmas, birthdays, anniversaries, Valentine’s Day, and Mother’s Day. Generally, I have had quite a store of them hidden away in my file cabinet. However, since we are now between homes and my file cabinet is in storage, I found myself on this year without any. So, the Friday before Mother’s Day I stopped by my local Target to purchase a card for Mother’s Day and our Anniversary (May 14). To my dismay I found that although there were many Anniverary card, the selves had been picked bare of Mother’s Day cards. So, in desperation I went to the “No Sentiment” section and picked out what I thought would be an appropriate card went home. Saturday, I took the card out of the wrapper and opened it. It opened from the top and not from the side. This would be the first card I had ever given Analia that did so. What’s more, it was not the kind of card that you could just jot a couple of lines of sentiment and wish a “Happy Mother’s Day” and be done, it required a lot more. In the past there have been times that I included a poem in one of her cards but it had been quite a while since I had done so, in fact, it had been a while since I had written a poem. This poem was the result. I don’t think it is in need for any explanation. We always make a point of honoring those on special days who should be honored every day.

Gale L. Wolfenbarger;
13 May 2024

Mother’s Day

In nineteen hundred and fourteen a day was set apart
To honor those whose love for us bring joy to every heart.

Through all the years of childhood and on into our teens
Our mothers cared for all our needs and even more it seems.

They tutored us in how to live and share with all we meet,
Whether kin or friends or even the beggar on the street.

But what of those whose mothers pass on before they’re grown?
For some there may be others who take them as their own.

And then when we are married and we have children of our own
It’s mom who always cares for them and makes our house a home.

Mothers are a hearty bunch, they serve both night and day
And when there is a need for us, they always find a way.

And lest they feel slighted for all they say and do
Remember wives are mothers who care for me and you.

So, on this day remember, flowers are such a simple thing
To honor those who care for us and all the joy they bring.

So, make a meal and wash a dish and find some words to say.
Remember all they do for us, not just on Mother’s Day.

Gale L. Wolfenbarger
11 May 2024