By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

On Sunday, May 14, we will celebrate “Mother’s Day,” an opportunity for “children” of all ages to express love, respect and gratitude to mothers for all the things they do and have done for us.

For those whose mothers are no longer alive, it is a time to think back and remember that special person and friend.

In the United States, Anna M. Jarvis is credited with bringing in the celebration of Mother’s Day. Anna Jarvis intended to start a Mother’s Day as an honoring of mothers. The idea itself was so great that it did not take long to be spread all over. Leaving aside the first observance, the official recognition that followed for the observance came in galore. The governor of West Virginia issued the first Mothers’ Day proclamation in 1910.

Oklahoma celebrated it in that same year. It started the same way as far west as the state of Washington. By 1911, there was not a state in the Union that did not have its own observance for Mothers’ Day. Soon it crossed the national boundary, as people in Mexico, Canada, South America, China, Japan and Africa all joined the spree to celebrate a day for mother love.

Senior students in a class of Ali Stern’s and some additional senior students wrote tributes to their mothers.

Parts two and three will be posted Friday and Saturday, respectively.

SARAH BARNETT – “Dear Mom, Happy Mother’s Day! Thank you for all the unconditional love that you have shown me. I appreciate you being one of my biggest supporters and motivators. I always know that I can turn to you when I need advice or even when I just need to talk something through. You are the person I can call no matter what. If I am overwhelmed you are consistently the person I reach out to first. You make me feel safe and comfortable. You are also the person I always want to share my proudest achievements with. You are such a major part of my life and I have no idea what I would do without you. You help me daily with even the simplest tasks. You are always positive and encouraging, which can make me happier even on my worst days. Thank you for everything you do for me. I love you!”

DANIELLE BEACH – “Dear Mom, Happy Mother’s Day! Thank you for all your kindness and selflessness you have shown me throughout my life. You have been there for me in good times and bad, and it means so much to me. You have shown me what it means to give your best at all times, and you always do everything for others before yourself. Thank you for the countless games you have taken me to and from, and for being my biggest supporter. I would not be the person I am today without you, and I will never be able to thank you enough for all of the things you do for me!”

REGHAN BUYSSE – “Happy Mother’s Day Mom! Thank you for everything you do for me. Thanks for putting us first and making sure we get everything we need. Even when we fight and argue, I still appreciate you so much. Thank you for giving me support through sports and just life in general. You are the most important person in my life. And now that I’m growing up I admire you so much more.”

NASH CLEMENTZ - “Dear Mom, Thank you for everything you have done for me. You have always been there to help me through my hardest times. You have always been my number one supporter and always will be. You have always been there for me when I need anything that I don’t know how to do. Thank you for everything you have done.”

OLIVIA DIERICKS – “Hey Mom! Thank you for your love and patience all these years. I know that I’m a lot to handle, but you raised me like a pro. (You’re my favorite!) Much love, Olivia.”

CALEB DURIAN – My Mom is a special person. She did a lot for me growing up and still does a lot for me to this day. She takes care of me and my sister and is the staple of my family. Without my Mom, I would not be alive.”

SIENNA FRANK – “Dear Mom, Happy Mother’s Day Mom! I’m so grateful for you and all of the things you’ve done for me and the opportunities you have given me and supported me for. Even when you’re not feeling well or having a bad day, you push it to the side so you can be the best mom possible to all of us kids. I love you and you deserve the world and the best treatment form every person. I hope today is the best day ever and everyone makes you feel very special on your day! I Love you Mom!”