Spring is in the air. The grass is turning green, the flowers are poking through the ground, leaves are out on the trees, the birds are singing and the sun is making more of an appearance these days – especially as of late.

But when you think of May, what is one of the first things that comes to mind?

Perhaps Mother’s Day?

Mother’s Day is this Sunday, and as it does every year, it gives us the chance to be grateful for a job that is one of the toughest, never paid, and sometimes thankless ones around. Whether you have a close relationship with your mother or not, Mother’s Day is a chance to recognize the sacrifices she has made for you and for her family.

Oftentimes a mother thinks about all others before herself. Mothers tend to be selfless, supportive, forgiving and love unconditionally. Even if such things as distance, lack of time or life in general has taken you in a different direction, mothers always hold a special place in our hearts – how could they not?

From the time we are born, our mothers put their lives on hold to help ensure our success. Not only in the beginning with sleepless nights, but ultimately also by playing chauffeur to extra curricular activities, to also very importantly helping to teach us right from wrong.

The job is one that is never-ending.

According to Wikipedia, the modern holiday of Mother’s Day was first celebrated in 1908, when Anna Jarvis held a memorial for her mother in America.

She then began a campaign to make Mother’s Day a recognized holiday in the United States. Although she was successful in 1914, she was already disappointed with its commercialization by the 1920s.

By this time, Hallmark Cards and other companies had started selling Mother’s Day cards. According to Wikipedia, “Jarvis believed that the companies had misinterpreted and exploited the idea of Mother’s Day, and that the emphasis of the holiday was on sentiment, not profit. As a result, she organized boycotts of Mother’s Day, and threatened to issue lawsuits against the companies involved.

Jarvis argued that people should appreciate and honour their mothers through handwritten letters expressing their love and gratitude, instead of buying gifts and pre-made cards. Jarvis protested at a candy makers’ convention in Philadelphia in 1923, and at a meeting of American War Mothers in 1925. By this time, carnations had become associated with Mother’s Day, and the selling of carnations by the American War Mothers to raise money angered Jarvis, who was arrested for disturbing the peace.”

Since then, the holiday has been adopted by other countries and it is now celebrated all over the world. In this tradition, each person offers a gift, card, or remembrance toward their mothers, grandmothers, and/or maternal figure on Mother’s Day.

According to www.mothersdaycelebration.com, a type of Mother’s Day celebration also extends back to the 1600s in England. “Here a Mothering Sunday was celebrated annually on the fourth Sunday of Lent (the 40 day period leading up to Easter) to honor mothers. After a prayer service in church to honor Virgin Mary, children brought gifts and flowers to pay tribute to their own mothers.”

Today, Mother’s Day is observed worldwide in more than 40 countries. Some of the most popular gifts given on Mother’s Day are cards and flowers.

But this Mother’s Day, showering your mother with gifts isn’t the only way to show your appreciation. Spending time with your mother is a gift in itself and something money can’t buy.

However, restaurants will be packed and card and flower shops will be running on empty as we try to show our gratitude.

So this Mother’s Day, make sure to take the opportunity to show your mom she is appreciated.

Because nothing will ever replace a mother’s love and a mother’s job is one of the most important in the world.