As I walked out my back door last Friday all was right with the world. The birds were singing and in the distance; you could finally hear a turkey gobbling, announcing his presence. It was the first morning in a long time my 4-legged son Finn wasn’t soaking wet after returning from his visit to the closest tree.

As I jumped in the truck and headed to work to pen my column, I was at peace because I knew I would be writing about Mother’s Day as opposed to the world-gone-mad witnessed each and every day. A smile came to my face as I thought about the beautiful birthday message my Mom sent me the day before. I must mention she also sent me some of my favorite snacks. That delivery was perfectly timed to go along with those loving words. Thanks, Mom.

As I headed up the beltway to my office, the clock read 5:25. Again, it was so nice not to have to use my windshield wipers, you could just tell a beautiful weather day was on its way. And then it got even better. As I looked to the east, there was an amazing sunrise as night was already turning into daytime. As I looked at the opposite end of the West Branch Valley May’s Full ‘Flower Moon’ seemed to almost touch the earth. I kept my radio turned off and just enjoyed my morning peace and the beauty of God’s green earth.

As I pulled into the office the thoughts of the real world started to creep back into my head. Beginning with, I have to get an article done to meet deadline and then I picked up the paper like I do every morning and read about all the going ons.

I stopped there, took a breath, and thought about how those May flowers and the sun-drenched longer days have arrived. Even better, the celebration of Mother’s Day was my topic for deadline not current world events.

So, a Happy Mother’s Day and heartfelt thank you to all the moms. There is nothing more special than a mother’s love, caring, and nurturing. This represents an amazing gift in the plan of God. The bond between a mother’s love and maternal guidance seems to grow stronger as the years pass, and mom is always there in the corner of their child.

We live in a world with a lot more challenges and a mother’s love has never been more important. Our children face so many more issues and mom’s duties now include teaching and preparing their children for these challenges of today. It has never been more important for the father to understand his role and to be present to allow the woman to be the best mom she can be. Thank you to all who provide that most special motherly love for the children when mom isn’t present for whatever reason. The grandmothers of today seem to have a much more active role as a motherly figure. God bless all those that open their hearts to foster care, guardianship, and adopt children and fill that motherly role. These are some pretty big shoes to fill. I feel it’s important for all of us to be supportive of any person taking on this responsibility.

So please, make sure to celebrate motherhood and thank all the moms this Sunday. Here are some great ideas to help show your gratitude.

You can never go wrong by giving mom the day off from normal mother activities. A nice Mother’s Day dinner out, with no cooking, dishes, or cleanup required, will always be appreciated. Or perhaps preparing mom’s favorite meal at home. Just don’t leave the kitchen like a hurricane hit it for her to clean up. Flowers, cards, candy, jewelry, and any art projects made by kids, including cards, are great Mother’s Day gifts.

Did I mention something as simple as giving mom some alone time to read a book, relax, or enjoy an interest is a great idea? To all dads out there, I learned over the years it’s most important to mom for the children to pick out the Mother’s Day card and present. So, even if they’re knee-high to a grasshopper, take them along with you and allow them to choose something from the heart. This also provides mom with a little break from the kids. Most important, this Sunday, make sure your mom and all those that provide motherly love hear those special words, Happy Mother’s Day, I love you.

Happy Mother’s Day to my Mom in Texas, my stepmother Carol, and my mother-in-law Theresa. Thank you for everything you do and for being wonderful grandmothers. Happy Mother’s Day to Michelle from Jimmy, Hunter, Finn, Leia, Buck, and me. We love you.

Let’s all be safe out there and share a Happy Mother’s Day weekend.

God Bless America.