AARP Rewards Mother's Day Contest 2026!

[AARPTeri]

Mother's Day is all about love, laughter... and the moments that make moms so special!

Share your Mother's Day tribute by hitting reply to this post - it can be funny, heartfelt or totally unique! Whether it's a funny memory, a simple thank you, or a life lesson she shared - we want to hear about it! 

Not only will you spread some joy, but you will also have a chance to win a special reward, because great stories deserve great prizes!

Need inspiration? Try one of these prompts to get you started!

• The moment my mom totally saved the day for me...
• If my mom had a superpower, it would be...
• Something my mom/inspiring woman in my life told me was...

No purchase necessary to win!  Be sure your entry is your own original story!  Keep it kind, respectful and fun! Check out the official rules here: View Contest Rules

Play our new Mother's Day Mahjong Solitaire Game!

We also have Mother's Day egreeting cards in Rewards, you can view them here 

[SereneSeagull]

Excellent post, @VirgeanO80879 . 👍

[jr9613]

My Mother battled cancer for most of my childhood. She never forgot a birthday card or cake. She was... 

[ElizabethG812502]

This isn't about my mom.  This is about an incredible mother who is a dear friend of mine.  She has a child who is autistic and has raised him on her own from the time he was 2. She never let anyone tell him he couldn't do something and has always fought to teach him that he isn't different.  Through the years she has made sacrifices so he could grow into a wonderful young man. Even through the struggles she has always maintained a positive attitude and would instantly help anyone who needs it without a second thought.  I have watched in awe as she navigates working full time, shuttling him to and from jobs or school and teaching him how to be independent.  She also helped to reunite her mother with a sister she didn't know she had this past year. It's so typical that she would put someone else first.  She always does and not a complaint to be heard.

[RachelH988037]

When I was 10 years old I got a newspaper route so I could earn money to get my Mom something for Mothers Day. I had remembered seeing my mom see a Mother's Ring she had told my Dad she really wanted one and he had told her probably not this year maybe next. So that night I snuck the Kay's magazine and had it in my room. The ring she wanted wasn't really all that expensive but for back then and for a 10 year old it was. The cost of the ring was 400.00. It was September so I calculated what I would have by April and ai would have more than enough. By the middle of March I had saved over 500.00. I went to Kay's that weekend with the money and all of my siblings birthdays and birthstone information and placed the order. The Jewelry lady asked me if I wanted it engraved and I hadn't thought about it. I told the lady yes and said Mom I Love you with my initials. Mothersday arrived I had got the ring 2 weeks earlier and hid it until that morning. I ran to the flower shop down the street got my Mom a carnation arrangement as that is her favorite flower. Ran home. She was already awake I was so excited so I handed her the flowers and the gift box. When she opened it she started crying and I thought she didn't like it so I asked her. My mother's reply has stayed with me going on 37 years now. She said Rachel you worked so hard and this is the reason why. My Mom put the ring on her hand and I am blessed to still have her with me now. She hasn't taken that ring off except for surgery since the day I gave it to her.

[SereneSeagull]

I loved hearing your post.  What a lucky mom to have a daughter so thoughtful.   Beautiful.

[MariaK113398]

My mother passed away in 2016 at the age of 90. She had a hard life as a child in Spain. Being one of the oldest of 13 children she had very little educational opportunities due to having to take care of the younger kids. She would hand wash clothes on a wash board in the local stream for the family and there was never enough food to go around. She married my dad and they moved to the US. She was a hard worker who never seemed to rest, always cooking and cleaning and devoted to her family.  She worked full time in a factory for over 30 years as well. She was a fantastic cook and  an even better baker and taught me a lot. She was my best friend my whole life. When she passed away it was a huge hole in my heart and in my life. I miss her every day. She never learned to drive and so I took her everywhere. When we went to the grocery store she would go up and down every aisle (multiple times) and at the time it drove me crazy but I would give anything to take one more grocery trip with her. Even writing this I can't see through my tears. She was the best, God bless her.

[SereneSeagull]

@MariaK113398 What a full life she had, and gave of herself to her family the way she did.  The memories are full for you, what a wonderful gift to have.  

[MariaK113398]

Thank you......There are so may wonderful tributes here, moms are amazing!

[SummerOnTheWay1]

[4/22/26] Dear Maria @MariaK113398 , your post touched my insides dear friend. Thank you SO MUCH for sharing with us. She is looking down at you right now, luving you & SO PROUD of you!!!

Luv,

Nicole  💛🤗

[MariaK113398]

Thanks Nicole, you are so kind.  I miss her so much. 

[CindyFinney]

My mother, the one who held our family together, passed away suddenly when she went to the hospital for a simple outpatient surgery that should have lasted no more than 2 hours, 7 hours later they finally came out and told me that they had hit an artery too hard and she bled out and died. This rocked our family, it took us down, my father gave up, my siblings strayed from each other, and life is not the same, However, I have another mother hero, My daughter. Her life is dedicated to her children, she home schools them but makes sure she has them enrolled in many outside activities to ensure they build social connections. When I lost my husband last year followed by being scammed out of $90,000, she jumped on a plane and was by my side for weeks, when I had to sell my home, she paid for someone to pack, move and unpack my stuff. Her heart is pure and the joy she brings to my life and others is amazing. I think of my mother every single day and miss her so very much yet having watched my daughter grow into the beautiful mother she is brings so much happiness to my life that I honor her each Mother's Day. It has been a while since I have been by her side, airline tickets have made it difficult, but we facetime daily and share our triumphs and difficulties as only two mothers can do.

[JacquelynM3106]

Our mom made the best cinnamon rolls.   Now that she has passed on, one day I need to get the courage to try to make them.   My daughter had some great times making them with her. 

[Townsend211]

My mom; God rest her sweet Soul; was a great woman of faith whom many love and respect. She was a leader in church and in society. She made great changes for the good. I aspire to be and do great things also. Keep 🙏!

[Townsend211]

BEAUTIFUL BLESSINGS! WE ARE SO THANKFUL! 

[PIFA123]

You save us all from the abusive husband and father I had for 18 years at last. You were afraid to leave him because his pals you felt would have kidnapped or done worse to us 3 girls. But the day he beat me black and blue you stopped him. He pushed you against the wall. Then you knew we had to escape. This would never end. At last we were free of the verbal abuse and physical. No more would things disappear from our home and be hocked. No more would he forge your name and take out loans he could not pay. Steal you money left by your uncle and claim our home was robbed. Have your check garnished because he did not pay what he used to gamble on the horses. You could have stayed or told me at 18 to leave. But you chose us and got rid of this man that never took us any where. No vacations, no out to dinners or lunches, instead he was off to the track as our utilities got cut off and the eviction notices hung on the door. You now paid the bills and had the money you worked for a night while we slept secure knowing he would never be back. That yes I have the money for you educations. You chose us and for that I thank you.

[db9802571]

so many stories but I have to share a funny one from when I was in grade school and at that time we got to go home for lunch.  My mom was making us grilled cheese sandwiches and as she gave me mine and I took a nice bite - there was no cheese on mine lol.  I still to this day bring it up to her.

[KristinM30235]

The older I get, the more I am in awe of my mother, her bravery, her grace, her love, her wisdom and her humor. For starters, in 1962 she joined my father, a missionary, in his work. She had four children, ages 8,6,4 and 3. She didn't know the language or where they would live. She knew no one other than my father. Yet she forged friendships, learned the language and culture, was always there for us kids, and along with my father, provided a loving home. I miss her terribly.

[BetsyC33]

I am truly fortunate that my mom is still with us at 101 years old. She was diagnosed with Alzheimers almost 11 years ago, but continues to know our family most of the time. She lives in a beautiful memory care facility, and is loved by all because of her kind heart. She was on hospice care for 18 months prior to her 100th birthday, but they kicked her out as she settled into a new normal. Her caregiver told me that in all the years working in hospice he had never met a kinder or more joyous spirit, and said that this keeps her going. After a recent flu outbreak she was ill enough that she has now been back in hospice care for a month but is back to feeling and looking healthy again. She is my inspiration for staying positive and kind.

[SereneSeagull]

How wonderful she continues to be a joy to others.  101, fantastic!

[BetsyC33]

---

@AARPTeri wrote:

Mother's Day is all about love, laughter... and the moments that make moms so special!

Share your Mother's Day tribute by hitting reply to this post - it can be funny, heartfelt or totally unique! Whether it's a funny memory, a simple thank you, or a life lesson she shared - we want to hear about it! 

Not only will you spread some joy, but you will also have a chance to win a special reward, because great stories deserve great prizes!

Need inspiration? Try one of these prompts to get your started!

• The moment my mom totally saved the day for me...
• If my mom had a superpower, it would be...
• Something my mom/inspiring woman in my life told me was...

No purchase necessary to win!  Be sure your entry is your own original story!  Keep it kind, respectful and fun!  Check out the official rules here:  View Contest Rules

Play our new Mother's Day Mahjong Solitaire Game !

We also have Mother's Day egreeting cards in Rewards, you can view them   here 

---

[GAKKIEZ]

My mom was always ahead of her time and fought so hard for her achievements and for other women.  Mom knew at an early age that she wanted to be a nurse. Mom was awarded a prize from a local women's club of $25 when she graduated from high school in 1938. Mom applied to many nursing schools in the area and was accepted to the Jewish Hospital Nursing School in Louisville, KY. This was a nursing school that required the nursing students to work at the hospital and live on the premises of the hospital during training. Mom graduated from training in 1941 but by that time the United States had entered WWII.  There was a severe shortage of nurses for the war and the federal government threatened to draft nurses for service. The American Red Cross recruited nurses for service. Mom answered the call and enlisted in the Army Nurse Corps.  Mom actually missed her graduation ceremony and her own mother attended to accept her Nursing Cap, mom was already in the Nurse Corps basic training on that date. Mom's first duty station was at Ft. Knox, KY in the psychiatric ward.  Mom knew she didn't enlist to sit in her own backyard so when the overseas roster was posted, she volunteered for duty.  Mom was accepted for overseas duty and shipped out on the Queen Mary (which had been outfitted as a troop carrier in WWII because it was fast enough in the water to travel without escort) to England.  Mom later served in France, landing on Normandy Beach 4 months after D-Day. Mom always told us of all the devastation around her and of living in tents the entire time she was in France. Mom's unit finally made it to Carentan, France and they were preparing our wounded for medical transport by ship back to the U.S.

Mom finally earned her points in the overseas theater and returned to the U.S. as a 1LT in 1944 as her unit was being merged with 66th General Hospital in Germany.

Mom was so proud of her service and later joined VFW and American Legion when they finally accepted women veterans as full members (they normally restricted women veterans to Auxiliary membership). Mom also was a member of the Womens' Overseas Service League (WOSL). Mom became a Charter Member of the WIMSA Memorial at Arlington Cemetery and attended the Dedication Ceremony. Mom was also proud to be able to take an Honor Flight at the age of 90 to finally see the WWII memorial in Washington DC (her last trip).  

Mom passed away in 2017 at 93 and was buried with Military honors and her beloved Red Cross Nurses pin that had been engraved with her name and service number. (The Red Cross Nurses pin has a history that you are either buried with the pin or it is to be returned to the National Red Cross.)

[HeatherS13]

I don't have pleasant memories of my mother but as a mom, my favorite Mother’s Day with my daughters was several years ago when they were both in college. When they were little I took them to our local Zoo a lot and we enjoyed it very much. So they decided to take me to the Zoo like when they were little, and we did all the little recorded zoo facts like when they were little, We started with the animals I wanted to see, they bought me the fun zoo animal shaped cup during lunch at the zoo cafe, and something from the gift shop. It was a reverse of when I took them, and they treated me for the day. We had so much fun and shared so many memories of when they were young. It was a day I’ll remember forever. Sharing a fun day with your adult children is like the pot of gold at the end of raising children. 

[SereneSeagull]

I think gifts of being present, are the real presents!  Great post @HeatherS13 

[CarmelitaB19189]

My mom was an identical twin that outlived her ENTIRE family!! She was a beautiful red head mom of 7 who had 91 years on this earth! My mom had perseverance and love of many things. She became a caring nurse in her 40’s while taking care of her family. Her passions were art and loving the Lord. My life was better for her having been my mom. Mother’s Day feels differently with her gone but memories never fade and I keep them close. My advice is smother those moms with love and hugs while you can!! 

[caro1g]

If my mom had a superpower, it would be biscuit making. She made the best buttermilk biscuits from scratch every morning. She must have made a million of them in her lifetime for me and my 6 siblings. 

[SereneSeagull]

Now I want a biscuit! 

[MitziW617158]

So my mothers superpower would have been making a meal out of a little of nothing in the cubbards....no matter what was in the cubbards she could make it 5 Star awesome meal. She had a nack for making things go a long ways and so much love was put into it ,even it was a peanut butter sandwich....sure miss her and the love she had in her heart!

[bookgqueen21]

My mom, there is so much to say.  The memories go back when I was growing up and my mom went thru so many tragedies, such as losing our house to a fire a week before Christmas, my sister age 5 falling into a tub of boiling water with terrible burns on Christmas day, seeing my older brother lose one eye by falling on a plank with a nail, when the house was being built.  Seeing my other brother under him lose both his eyes in crazy accidents (One at the School for the blind in swimming.) Seeing her twin brother die when they were 13 years old and ended up with Cancer in her older age.  She always smiled and read her bible everyday.  She had 8 kids and she loved us all with tender care.  When she was in the hospital dying, she was asking the nurses and doctors what could she do for them.  She was an Angel on earth.  One time I was in college with no money and she worked in a sewing factory and found $20 in some pants and sent it to me to buy food...all the pain that she suffered and there were more tragedies, like losing her first grand child at 5 years old who fell off a porch right after they dropped her off at home...My momma, what can I say, except she was an Angel on earth and she made me the woman that I am today...Thank you momma.  Thank you.

[lecuyerl]

If my mom had a superpower, it would’ve been her loving heart. My mom never knew a stranger, and she was always there to lend a helping hand, no matter who or what the situation was. I like to think that I take after her 🙂 she was a very kind, loving person and I never once saw her Cross with anyone. I miss her dearly. She passed in 2010 and I miss her every day. She was a wonderful person! The world was a better place when she was in it!

[RosanaR823422]

My beautiful mom passed away six years ago. I think of her everyday in the stillness of the night, the rustling of leaves and the beauty of my rose garden . She taught me that love never goes away but rather a feeling that is in your heart forever. She once told me that when ever I see a butterfly it would be her reminding me that her love is all around me. So you see, I am always reminded of her beautiful and kind heart. Let the butterflies fly!!!