Make Mom Proud! Write a Real Letter!

I recently read an interesting article on Mental Floss about Anna Jarvis, the founder of Mother's Day. It seems that Miss Jarvis loved her mother dearly and wanted to honor her by creating a national holiday to pay tribute to all mothers. Her Mother's Day idea caught on quickly due in large part to her massive letter writing campaign. (Hooray for the power of snail mail!)  She faced opposition from a few politicians, but Mother's Day was officially observed as a national holiday in 1914.  Unfortunately Miss Davis would later come to disdain the commercialism associated with Mother's Day.

My favorite quote attributed to Miss Jarvis reflects her contempt for the greeting card company...

"A printed card means nothing except that you're too lazy to write a letter to the woman who did more for you than anyone in the world!"

A little heavy on the guilt, Miss Jarvis, but I am in favor of writing more letters!! 

I know Mother's Day is over but it's always a good time to send your mother a handwritten letter. (Especially if you, like me, sent one of those dreadful purchased greeting cards!!) Try making a list of all the things that you appreciate about your mother. Include her qualities and traits you admire.  Is she hospitable? An excellent cook? Did she take you to 15 million practices and games during your childhood? Now's the time to thank her!!

Go Postal, people! 

And for goodness sake, write your mother!

XOXO Mrs. Murphy 

Anna Jarvis