Last weekend, the United States celebrated Mother’s Day. This holiday is a happy one for some, and a sorrowful one for others.  

The official Mother’s Day holiday began in the 1900s because of Anna Jarvis, daughter of Ann Reeves Jarvis. When her mother passed away in 1905, Anna Jarvis came forth with Mother’s Day as a celebration that brought honor to the sacrifices mothers made for their children. Before Jarvis’ mother passed, she had frequently expressed her wish to have such a day for mothers to be recognized.

Since then, Mother’s Day has continued to hold its virtue of honor. Over all, there is so much that mothers do daily, weekly and yearly. For some mothers, this task load can be much more than kids and teenagers think. This is why I think that “Mother’s Day” shouldn’t be just one day out of the year that you show your appreciation. It should be shown in little ways, every day, every week, all year. Now I’m not saying that you have to worship your mother’s entire existence, but if you consistently show your gratitude with little things, they add up.

I myself have not had a consistent mother figure, but in the past year, I have discovered that the term “mother” doesn’t mean related by blood; it means that there is someone who always has your back, supports you and is a figure that you can always trust no matter the circumstance.

Because Mother’s Day is about showering our love upon our mothers, we should acknowledge all the little things that our mothers do for us every day, not just as a special occasion. No gift, or bouquet of flowers once a year can be compared to a mother receiving love and appreciation from her children frequently. 

Manitou Springs High School is home to many mothers.  Each sees motherhood as a blessing.

“The best part of being a mom is being there for my kid, for the good times and the bad times, and for her to know that no matter what happens I’ll always have her back and love her forever,” Spanish teacher Ingrid Perez said.

 When our mothers are there for us, they help us to reach our goals and dreams. 

“The best part about being a mom is watching your babies grow up to be kind and productive human beings.  I love the fact that I get to watch and work with my amazing daughter, Ms. Santos, and watch my son, a police officer, flourish in his career as well. I am so proud of them,” Director of Security, Janie Anderson said.

So wherever you are, by blood, or not at all, be sure to show your mom how important she is, because a loving mother shows the same in many ways, whether you know it or not. And, if you don’t have a consistent mother figure, there are many at MSHS who would be happy to fill in.