The Rev. Marianne Allison, our community chaplain and spiritual care coordinator, offers reflections for Mother’s Day.

Behind the commercialism of every “Hallmark holiday,” there’s a good intention. Since 1908, every year on the second Sunday in May, Americans remember the ones who birthed and cherished us and express our gratitude in some way.

It’s hard not to notice those Mother’s Day commercials and store displays around us. They’re meant to remind us to purchase something that celebrates our moms—and that can be helpful. But for others, it’s a trigger:  Some of us don’t have moms; for others, our relationship with our mothers are complicated, or fraught. Still, most of us have someone who nurtured us, and for whom we’re thankful.

A Mother’s Day Project

Because social connections enhance resilience and well-being, our Spiritual Care team wanted to give our clients an outlet to show their gratitude for anyone who showed motherly love to them along the way. This year, we have set up a display in our lobby area with tools to express appreciation. Clients can share a picture of their mom, write a note of gratitude to a nurturer in their life, or share a card for Mother’s Day or another occasion. And if they wish, we’ll stamp and mail these cards for them. We’re encouraging our staff and volunteers to participate in this Mother’s Day activity, too.

Gratitude has both psychic and physical benefits, and expressing gratitude can open the door to more relationships. A simple card is a small thing, but we hope it reminds our clients that they’re worthy of love. It’s another way we hope to reinforce that we see them that way, too.