On Sunday, May 11, 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 classes of GHS teacher Ali Litton wrote tributes to their mothers. The messages are listed in the order they were submitted, not in alphabetical order by name.
LILY TAYLOR – “Dear Mom, Happy Mother’s Day! I appreciate everything you do. Your love has been my constant comfort, and your wisdom has guided me more than you know. I am so grateful for everything you do and everything you are. Thank you for always being there with your endless support, your kind heart, and your unwavering strength. Love, Lily.”
OLIVIA SEEI – “Dear Mom, Happy Mother’s Day! I am so thankful that you have been there for me. You have gone to every meet and tournament that I had. Thank you for taking us on all of these vacations, giving us gifts, and loving all of us with your whole heart. I am so thankful for having you by my side when I have a rough day. Thank you for your endless support when I am golfing and you push me through the meet when I’m not playing that well. I hope you have an amazing Mother’s Day and I can’t want to celebrate with you and make your day even more special! Love you, Liv.”
ELLI SNYDER – “Dear Julia , Thank you for taking me in like one of your own. I appreciate everything that you and Brian do for me and involve me in. I am very lucky to have you in my life, and I don’t know where I would be right now without you guys. Thank you for all the sacrifices that you may have made to help me and make me feel comfortable. Happy Mother’s Day, I love you! Love, Elli.”
MICHAEL FRANKLIN – “Happy Mother’s Day! I just wanted to take a moment to say thank you for all the little things you do that make a big difference in my life. Your kindness, support, and love mean the world to me. I’m grateful to have you as my mom, and I hope you feel special today, because you truly are. You’ve always been there for me, even in the quietest moments, and I appreciate everything you do more than words can say. I’m lucky to have a mom who is as caring and strong as you. Forever & always, Michael Franklin.”
BRENDAN LYFORD – “Dear Mom, Happy Mother’s Day to the most amazing mom! Your love and support have shaped me into who I am today. I am forever grateful for the sacrifices you’ve made and the warmth you’ve always given. I love you more than words can express. Love, Brendan Lyford.”
TIMOTHY SEBASTIAN – “Dear Mom, Happy Mother’s Day! Thanks for everything you do. I am so grateful for you because you have always been there for me. Thank you for always putting up with me no matter what. You’re an amazing role model and I truly look up to you. Don’t ever stop being amazing! Love, your favorite child, Timothy Sebastian.”
ASHTON WILLIAMS – “Dear Mom, on this special day, I want to thank you for your endless love and support. Your kindness and patience have shaped me into the person I am today. I am grateful for all the sacrifices you’ve made to ensure my happiness and success. You are my biggest inspiration and my favorite parent. Happy Mother’s Day today and always, thank you so much. With love, Ashton w.”
DEVAN HORNBACK – “Mom, thank you for everything you do for me. I appreciate the support you have for me, my brothers, and sister. I thank you for being there for me whenever I need anything. Thank you for your unconditional love. Love, your favorite kid, Devan Hornback.”
MASON BEALER – “Dear Mom, Happy Mother’s Day! I’m so thankful for all the love, support, and wisdom you’ve given me over the years. You’ve somehow managed to juggle everything around the house with grace and only a little bit of impatience, making it look effortless, even though I know it’s not. Your faith in Jesus Christ and the way you’ve raised me to live with love, patience, and grace has shaped me in ways I can’t even begin to describe. I’ve learned so much from you, and your wisdom continues to guide me every day. I love you so much, and I’m incredibly blessed to call you my mom! Love, Mason Bealer.”
KAMDEN ARIANO – “Mom, thank you for everything you do for our family. We appreciate your unwavering support in everyday life. You have been a major stepping stone in my growth, and I am forever thankful for your unconditional love. Love, your favorite kid, Kamden Ariano.”
XZAVIER REUTER – “Dear Mom, I am grateful for you being my unfailing source of love and strength. You always seem to know how to lift me when I’m down and how to celebrate my very small wins in life. I know I don’t acknowledge your quiet sacrifices and everyday acts of kindness, but I am always aware of them. Your ability to deal with anything, no matter how difficult, is amazing. I am forever in awe of you because you demonstrate how to love thoroughly, work, and live with purpose. I carry your lessons with me every day, and I hope to make you proud. You are more than my mother; you are my hero. I love you to the moon and back – Happy Mother’s Day! X”
CHRISTIAN HANEY – “Dear Grandma, I just want to say a big thank you for all the incredible things you’ve done for me over the past 18 years. I can’t imagine where I’d be without your love and support. You have such an amazing work ethic that is rarely matched by others, and I admire that about you. Thank you for raising me to be the person I am today. Happy Mother’s Day! Christian.”
AVA SEDAM – “Dear Ma, Happy Mother’s Day!!! This is officially your first Mother’s Day with an ‘adult’ child. So, thank you mom, for helping me reach this point in my life. I can’t imagine anyone else as my mom or wish for anyone more fit for the job. You are my biggest inspiration; I don’t know how you managed everything life threw at you so well but somehow you did. You have taught me how to be so strong, loving, grateful, and courageous. I can definitely say that all of my best traits are form you. I hope I can at least be half of the woman you are one day. Love you to the moon and back always. Love, Ava.”
MADY MOONEY – “Happy Mother’s Day Mama! I am so thankful for everything you do and have done for me. You are the most constant person in my life and I don’t know what I would do without you. Thank you for every all-nighter you pulled helping me with projects, every road trip to countless sport events, and every hug after I cry to you for the silliest reasons. I love you so much. Thank you for making me into who I am today. You are my biggest inspiration and role model. I hope to have even just half the love and compassion in my heart that you have for everyone. Love, Mady.”
ELI FORD – “Dear Grandma, Happy Mother’s Day! You have always been such a kind, loving, and strong woman, and I admire you so much. Thank you for all the support you’ve given me through this graduation process and for being there for me when I needed it. Thank you for letting me steal Grandpa for hours when we golf. I feel so lucky to have you in my life, and I hope your day is special. I love you so much! Love, Eli Ford.”
COLE FREEMAN – “Dear Mom, Happy Mother’s Day to the most incredible woman I know! Your love, strength, and wisdom have shaped me in ways I can’t even put into words. Every sacrifice you’ve made and every lesson you’ve taught me are etched in my heart forever. You’ve always been there with a listening ear, a comforting hug, and unwavering support. Today, I celebrate you, and I’m forever grateful for all the ways you’ve made my life better simply by being you. Happy Mother’s Day! Rooster.”
DYLAN DEBOEF – “Dear Mom, I just want to take a moment to tell you how much I appreciate you. Your kindness, strength, and constant support mean the world to me, and I’m so grateful for everything you’ve done. I feel so lucky to have you in my life, and I hope you know how deeply I admire you. Thank you for always being there. I’m beyond thankful for you. Love, Dylan DeBoef.”
GRANT DESHANE – “Dearest Mother, I am writing this letter today to tell you how good of a mother you are, and to thank you for all you have done for me. Before I was born, you were there for me and you continue to look after me. Thank you for all the discounts on dental work and for making dinner on most nights. Thank you, Grant DeShane.”
CAROLINE GIRTEN – “Happy Mother’s Day! Thank you for my green eyes that match yours, and thank you for the slight wave in my hair. Thank you for raising me to be bold and outspoken and for teaching me how to get my way. Thank you for my love of literature and giving me the ability to appreciate the world around me. Thank you for my siblings and for picking such a great dad. Thank you for being my mom and my teacher. I love you to the moon and back. With love, Caroline Paige.”
SYDNEY NELSON – “Dear Mom, Happy Mother’s Day! I hope your day is just as fun and great as you are. Even though I don’t show it much, I really appreciate and am grateful for everything you do for me and the whole family. Thank you for all of your guidance, advice, and the everyday things you do for me. It does not go unnoticed I love you and thank you! Your Favorite Child, Sydney Nelson.”
KAYCI FREEMAN – “Dear Mom, Happy Mother’s Day! I am so lucky to have you in my life. Your love, kindness, and wisdom mean the world to me. You’ve taught me so much, and I’m grateful for every moment and laugh we have shared. I hope today is as special as you are, filled with love and happiness. Thank you for everything you do, you are my real-life superhero! Love, Kayci.”
JESLEN RINK – “Dear Mom, Happy Mother’s Day! I want to thank you for being my number one supporter in everything I do. I appreciate how you always make me a priority when it comes to attending all of my extracurricular activities. I am grateful for all the sacrifices you have made for my brothers and me, and I want you to know that they do not go unnoticed. I aspire to be just as giving and supportive as you when I become a mom. I am happy to know that you will always be there for me whenever I need advice or a shoulder to cry on. Thank you, and I love you! Jeslen Rink.”
JULIE LEWIS – “Dear Mommy, thank you for taking care of me for the last 18 years. I love how you care for me by texting me every morning while you are busy at work, but still find the time to text me back. I love how you help me when Dad annoys me. You give the best cuddles and listen the best. Thank you for helping me with my weird obsessions. Thank you for being you. I love you so much. Your Peanut, Julia Lewis.”
PAYTON SNIDER – “Mommy TT, Happy Mother’s Day! Thank you for putting up with all of my activities that I’m in and showing up to each and every one. Anytime I get stressed, have an attitude, or forget something you are always willing to step up and be there for me. I love how you always find ways to help me even if I just complain or mention something once. You are always bettering my life whether it is making my schedule run easier or helping me become a better person. I look up to your morals a lot and your faith has had a huge impact on my faith as well. I love you so so much! Lots of love, P – Payton Snider.”
LOGAN JONES – “Dear Mother, thank you for always being there for me. I just want to let you know how appreciative I am with all that you provide and give to us. The way you let me see the world and all the things that you let me do brings me so much happiness. Thank you for always listening to me and just being there for when I need you. And I will always love you! Logan.”
ALLI FILE – “Dear Mom, Happy Mother’s Day to the woman who somehow managed to raise me through all the hills and valleys. Your patience, support, and sense of humor have gotten us through so much, and I’m grateful for everything you’ve done time and time again. None of your small gestures and behind-the-scenes acts go unnoticed, and I hope you can have a nice, relaxing day this Mother’s Day (you’ve earned it). I love you so so much! Alli.”
ANNIE MAXWELL – “Dear Mom, Happy Mother’s Day! Thank you so much for everything you do for me. I truly appreciate it and I do not tell you that enough. You have always been my number one supporter in everything that I do. You have pushed and inspired me to be the best version of myself every single day. I am so grateful for the little things and the sacrifices you have made to make my life better. You have shaped me into the person I am and I don’t thank you enough. I love you so much and you deserve the world! Love, Annie.”
RACHAEL BAUER – “Happy Mother’s Day, I wanted to take a moment to tell you how much I love you on this special day dedicated to you. I am beyond grateful for everything that you do for me. You have been my rock, my guide, and my biggest supporter throughout my whole life. I have learned so much from you for the past 17 years like your compassion, your work ethic, and your unwavering commitment to be there for every moment of my life. You are truly the best mom in the world and I am incredibly thankful that you are mine. Love, Rachael.”
AISLAN LEETCH – “Happy Mother’s Day! I wanted to tell you thank you for everything you have done for me. I would not be who I am or where I am in my life without a mother like you. I appreciate every extra step you’ve taken, every mile you’ve driven, and every penny you have spent on me. I now see the hard work and love you put into all of our lives and I would not trade you for anything or anyone in the world. You make our home a safe and simple place to be and I have no doubt that when I get home after a hard day you will be there waiting for me to talk about it. Thank you for everything. I love you. Love, Aislan.”
ADDISON ESPE – “Dear Mom, Happy Mother’s Day, Mom! I just wanted to write you a short letter to tell you how much I love and appreciate you. You’re truly my best friend and I am SO lucky to have you as my mom. I don’t believe I would be the person I am today without you to teach me everything I need to know and to guide me through life. Thank you for being someone I can go to about anything and for always being there for me when I need you. You do so much for me every day, and I know I don’t tell you enough, but I appreciate you and I am so grateful for everything you do! I love you so much! Love, Addison Espe.”
BRIANNA BOWLES – “Dear Mi Madre, Happy Mother’s Day!! You are the most amazing mom anyone could ask for; you do so much for me and Mickayla, and I am very grateful. I love you so much and I couldn’t ask for a better mom. I know me and Mickayla can be very stressful sometimes, but that’s our job as your kids, we just have to annoy you sometimes. You have done an amazing job raising me to the woman I am today and I thank you so much for that. I hope you have a wonderful Mother’s Day; I love youuuuuu! Sincerely, Mcbrianna.”
STORMIE WANCKET – “Dear Mom, I wanted to tell you how much I love you and everything you do for me. I don’t know where I would be today if it weren’t for you. You always encourage me to be the best version of myself and to chase my dreams. You’re always there for me when I need someone to talk to, and you’re always there to stand up for me when it’s needed. I am so thankful for how patient you are with me when everyone always rushes me, and how you pay attention to the little things I say. It truly means a lot to me. I love when we go out and have girl days together. Those are probably one of my favorite things to do because we just get to hang out and talk. I know we might have our fair share of arguments, but you’re truly my best friend, and I wouldn’t trade that for anything. I also just want to thank you for the life you have given us. I know it wasn’t easy as a single mom to raise me and my sister, but you never gave up you always wanted the best for us and I’m thankful for that. Thank you for everything you have done for me and for helping me grow into the woman I am becoming, Mom. I love you. Love, Stormie.”
