Dear Readers,

Mother’s Day is a great holiday for many, but I remember when I didn’t have a child and I felt a little weird and left out.  It seemed that only moms were important and honored, not anyone else who had mothered a child in some way.  I haven’t forgotten that feeling of being less than the moms on Mother’s Day–so hyped by commercialism.

Let’s not only honor “traditional” mothers, but all women who have mothered or nurtured.

So, I want to say to all of you who have helped a child, HAPPY DAY!  You are appreciated.  You are valued.  You might not think that you are appreciated or valued, but any kindness to a little person influences that child for the rest of his/her life.

Over my many years, I’ve witnessed aunts, cousins, sisters, neighbors, friends, teachers, nurses, guidance counselors and principals who have nurtured a child.   (And more.)  You know them, too. Who are they in your life?

It’s special if a child came out of your body or if you adopted a child.  But, it’s also special for all the women along the way who help or who have helped a child.  Hey, it’s also wonderful if you nurtured an adult who needed help, if you rescued an animal or if you sent money to help someone learn to read or to help them survive after an earthquake.  HAPPY DAY to you on this Sunday!

If you aren’t recognized on Sunday, you should be.  Celebrate yourself with a card, a bracelet, a new book or a day to someplace new.  Don’t feel a little sad if no one gives you a bouquet or a card this Sunday.  What you did or what you do —that’s what is important.  You are a blessing.

And, if some woman helped you in your life, let her know.  It doesn’t have to be on Mother’s Day.  Any day of the year would be a welcomed surprise.  A real snail mail letter, a card, a text, an e-mail, a phone call or TA DA!  a real visit, person to person!  Don’t forget the women who have mothered or who mother without the title.

Happy Day to all the women who have nurtured someone!  Keep up the good work.

God bless you.