Jane Hughes with son George, daughter-in-law Jessica and daughter Margaret
As Mother’s Day approaches, some would say that one day is not nearly enough to honor and celebrate the mothers and maternal figures in our lives.
According to the History Channel, the celebration of mothers and motherhood dates back to the ancient Greeks and Romans when festivals were held for Rhea and Cybele, the mother goddesses.
In the U.S., when well-known Civil War social activist and community organizer Anna Jarvis died on May 9, 1905, her daughter Anna Marie Jarvis made plans to honor her mother each year on the anniversary of her death. The idea of celebrating mothers spread and led to the official recognition of a Mother’s Day holiday by President Woodrow Wilson in 1914.
Closer to home, as families are preparing to celebrate mothers across the city, children share what makes their mother special.
Hazel Barksdale with grandson Frank Barksdale III and son Antione Barksdale
Antione: “My mother is the rock of the family. We wouldn’t be where we are in life if it weren’t for her. She put a lot of work into us.”
Frank: “My grandmother has done so much for our family. It means so much being able to be living here with her.”
Elisheva Dienstfrey with sons Lev and Leo
Leo: “Mom is the greatest person to ever exist. We are so lucky to have a mom as great as her that can balance both her work and home life so beautifully. I am grateful to have such an amazing mom. I love her so much.”
Lev: “What he said.”