Moms give year round to their children, so on Mother’s Day we show our appreciation to our moms. It's time to say thank you for all the “boo boo” or as my son says “owie” kisses, to “make it all better.” But what if Mom is the one that needs to feel better?
What if Mom cannot keep up the pace and do what she is so used to doing? What if Mom is facing an illness that is not going to go away with a simple aspirin?
She may still smile, masking the pain or perhaps the emotional hurt she may feel that she physically is not up to being the mom she once was.
To you, she is still Mom and it may be time to uplift her and take her mind off the pain.
If Mom is unable to get out much but loves the outdoors, plan a special picnic in the park or backyard for her. Bring out the fine china (ask her first, please!). Set up a picnic table or blanket with her favorites, whether it be as simple as ham sandwiches, or as elegant as brie and bread, or decadent truffles.
Bring the spa or boutique to her. Ask her favorite stylist, manicurist or massage therapist to come to her home and pamper her all day. Invite her closest girlfriends over to share in the fun. Let mom pick out a few new things in the comfort of her own home, to brighten her spirit and her wardrobe.
When my grandmother was sick, the owner of her favorite dress shop came over with beautiful gowns for her to try on for an upcoming occasion. I know it was much appreciated as she and the owner slipped comfortably back into the “old world” language.
Record or download all of Mom's favorite vintage movies. Grab her cozy blanket and curl up, snuggle or hold hands with Mom as you cuddle to the classics.
For moms who are single, being sick on Mother’s Day can mean they may need extra support.
Jody Farley-Berens is Executive Director and Founder of Singleton Moms,an organization supporting single parents with cancer.
“Sometimes what may seem a small and mundane gesture can have a big impact or relieve some stress for a mom who is not feeling well,” Farley-Berens says. “Tasks as simple as taking out the garbage, preparing a home cooked meal, cleaning the bathroom or running an errand can brighten someone’s day and create a really positive memory to reflect on for years to come.”
No one knows that better than Shelley Holman, who calls the organization “Angels on Earth.” She is now five years in remission from Hodgkins lymphoma. Some of the things they did for her could be a huge help for many other moms.
Holman says, “They brought dinners, had my house cleaned, helped me set up and orchestrate a yard sale, organized my garage, and offered the most heartfelt support. All the things we think are easy when you're well, become impossibilities with cancer. I am eternally grateful for them!”
Sources:
Jody Farley-Berens Interview May 7, 2015.
http://www.singletonmoms.org
Shelley Holman Interview Interview May 7, 2015.
Joanne Sgro-Killworth is a Television Fitness Expert, Certified Personal Trainer and Sport Nutritionist and Publicist. She is Certified in Pilates, Pre-natal/Post-Partum, Yoga and Senior Fitness. She specializes in Weight Loss, Post-Rehab and Post Cancer Training.
Joanne's fitness plans, recipes and lifestyle advice are available globally on her website http://www.happiwoman.com/ She resides in the Phoenix, AZ area with her husband and children, where she runs her fitness and publicity business, JSK PR, http://www.jskpr.com/
Reviewed May 8, 2015
by Michele Blacksberg RN
Edited by Jody Smith