On Sunday May 11, 2014 we celebrate Mother’s Day in the United States. History reveals that the US first celebrated Mother’s Day in 1908 when a lady named Anna Jarvis held a memorial service for her mom in Grafton, West Virginia. The reason was to honor “the person who has done more for you than anyone in the world.” Jarvis’ mother was a pacifist during the Civil War taking care of wounded soldiers in the Union and Confederate armies.
Today, we celebrate Mother’s Day officially because the United States congress passed a law establishing “the second Sunday in May as Mother’s Day on May 8, 1914.
Did you know that Mother’s Day is currently one of the most celebrated commercial occasions in the US? Americans spend a reported 2.6 billion on flowers, 1.53 billion on pampering gifts and 68 million on greeting cards. We celebrate to continue a tradition of recognizing our mothers.
When I look back at my younger days growing up as a child, my mother was an important part of my life. She took care of me, my brother and sister. She was a stay at home mom who worked part time jobs when needed to supplement the family income. She cleaned, cooked, washed dishes, did our laundry, celebrated holidays and made each of our birthday’s special. More than that… she provided warmth, nurturing, and love for our family. When times were rough, mom was always there to speak a kind word and assure you that everything was going to work out. I always had the assurance that Mom was on my team and supported me throughout my growing up years.
After five years of marriage to my wife Karen… we welcomed our first and only son Austin into the world in 1994. It was then that I had the opportunity to witness another important “Mother” in my life. I observed this fascinating life change as my wife became a wonderful mother to our baby boy. The life cycle continued as she nurtured, loved and cared for our son who is now 20 years old. She took on the new responsibilities of motherhood while working and helping me to start our trucking company.
Our Mothers have many responsibilities from being a wife to maintaining the home, caring for children and many have jobs outside the home as well.
In the trucking industry, many successful owner operators have the support of their wives at home running the business from the “back of the house” so to speak. They are an important part of the business and share in many of the day to day operations in running the business.
Whatever roll you play as the Mother of your household… for all that you do know that you are loved, cared for and deeply appreciated each and every day. To all the mothers out there… Have a safe and Happy Mother’s Day.