Five Ways to Honor your Elderly Mom on Mothers’ Day

Instead of the usual Mother’s Day card, compile messages from different people who know your mom into a scrapbook or hand-made card. Get them to write about why they think your mother is special. If you have kids of your own, let them help you decorate the scrapbook with their own drawings for lola.

You could also try making a special video for her by compiling different photos from your childhood and during your mom’s younger days. Get the different members of your family to say a few words and include it in the video.

If you are inclined to writing poetry, you may also want to write a poem dedicated especially to Mother. Try to be as creative as you can, and don’t hesitate to seek help from other people who may have other ideas on how to make your message for Mom even more special and personalized.

Just remember, the goal here is to let Mom know how much she is loved, not just on Mother’s Day, but for always.

Go out for lunch with your Mom, and I don’t mean the usual Sunday brunch you have every week with the entire family. Treat her to a special one-on-one meal at one of her favourite restaurants, or have some afternoon snacks with her at a nearby coffee shop. What is important here is that you give your mother special, undivided attention, even if it’s just for an hour or two. Discover a new place together and have no agenda for the day. Make it a “rediscovery day” for you. Your mom, no matter what her age may be, will surely appreciate your gesture.

Instead of telling her stories, how about you listen to her this time? No matter how many times you’ve heard an anecdote, or even if you have to keep answering the same repetitive question, be patient and answer politely and lovingly. Allow her to relive the glory days, and see her face light up with happy thoughts and cherished memories.

Hit two birds with one stone by gifting her with a new mobile phone and teaching her how to use it. A mobile phone will make communicating with her easier. It may be very challenging for her, so be patient. Learning something new will boost her spirits, and the time she spends with you will of course make her feel special. If she is not into gadgets, try going for a new sport or hobby, or maybe even a new recipe from your own cookbook.

The greatest gift we could ever give a person is not anything material but our time. Celebrate this special occasion with her by going to Mass or a worship service together, or perhaps even bond through a special mother-child retreat.

Whether she is 48 or 84, building perfect moments with your Mom will make for wonderful memories that you can store up in your heart’s “treasure chest.”

Whatever you do this Mother’s Day to honor your mom, remember that your love and appreciation for her should be shown, not just on one special Sunday in May, but every day of your life.