AARP Rewards Mother's Day Contest 2026!

I was struggling. Broke. A mom of two going through an awful, nasty divorce. I was working full time and going to school at night. I came home from school at 10 p.m. Kids were staying overnight with a friend. When I opened my garage door, I saw a new bag of dog food on the steps going into the house. in the kitchen was a new bottle of dish detergent, and a bag of groceries. In the living room, a new container of room deodorizer. On each step going upstairs: a pair of pantyhose, a can of dusting spray, etc., etc. The bathrooms held more surprises, as did my room and the kids'. All things we used on a daily basis. All things we needed. A little reminder from my mom that she had my back and was there for me. It was the best gift I ever received in my life at the perfect time. 

Our mom made the best blueberry pancakes. 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. 

Out Mom made the best Strawberry Rhubarb Custard Pie She baked with what she had and there was always rhubarb either fresh or from the freezer! I don't know of anyone else who even makes this pie and honestly I haven't looked for recipes because I want to remember it as it was.

#VintageMoms

#MothersDay

 My mother taught me how to be a responsible adult. I watched over my brothers while my parents worked even though one brother was older. When my 3 cousins visited 2 older than me, I was still in charge to make sure everything went well. We never had any problems not one when my parents were at work. She taught me how to make a meal out of nothing even though you thought there was not enough food in the kitchen. Even today I can make a meal and you would think my fridge and cabinets were full of food. The most important thing she taught me was to take care of others when needed, especially family also friends and neighbors. Today as an adult my heart is full when I can help someone in need, I mean it really makes my day when I can help someone doesn't matter if I only have to listen to what they are going through, sharing food or $ if I can sharing what I have (gift bag) without it being a holiday. So, it's because of her I share sometime the gift cards I get from AARP, Makes my day. Thank You Mama

My MOM never ate until all of us kids got our bellies full! My MOM wore tape wrapped around the top to bottom of her shoes to hold them together, so we never had to! My MOM worked every day, standing on concrete with scoliosis, to provide what we needed! She didn't say the words " I LOVE YOU" but if that's not LOVE, then I don't know what is!  We never realized that Mom was hungry too!!! We never told her "Thanks" or that we Loved her!! we didn't realize what Mom was doing without! She never complained and she never stopped LOVING!!! Thanks, Mom!! MOM's aren't perfect but their Love is. By the way, my mom is not here anymore but I see more and more the Love(sacrifices) that she gave to us daily!! Thanks seems not enough. Those who are still fortunate enough to have your MOM, just wrap your arms around her, give a little squeeze and Tell her you Love her! Thats ALL she really wants!

My mom would tell me that the quickest way to turn a friend into an enemy was to say something negative about their children. I understood what she said, but it wasn't until I had my own son that I fully got it. My mom would say, "Even if your friend is complaining about their own child, do not contribute anything negative. You can listen, but don't agree and don't add." A mama never forgets someone talking bad about their child.

People would say it was her fried chicken that brought them to our door. "Trudy's fried chicken," was a complete statement among our family and our neighbors. Those who knew, knew. Eyes would light up and lock and then came the "oohs" and "mmms". Let me tell you, not all of the ingredients were food items. Beyond the sage, the paprika, and thyme, was presence, fondness and love. My mom made sure each and every person who walked into our home felt valued, seen, and loved. The chicken filled our bellies, but her warmth nourished our souls. 

My Mom Has Been In Heaven Now For 4 Year's. I Would Give Anything For The Opportunity To See Her One Last Time & Give Her The Biggest HUG & KISS ! An TO Tell Her I'm Sorry You Felt You Had To Stay 16 yrs In A Abusive Marriage For Us Kid's. But, I Thank You For Finally Seeing You Deserved Better & So Did We & FOR Being Strong Enough To Leave. I Know How Scared You Must Of Been, Let Alone The Doubt You Had Cause It Was So Hard To Start Over As A Single Mom To Myself & My Sister ! You Taught Me Work Ethic By Showing Me ..You Was The 1ST Woman Machine Operator At Your Job You Didn't Take No For An Answer, & You Taught Me To Never Let Anyone Tell Me I Can't Do Something Cause I'm A Woman , & Never Let Anyone Tell Me I'm Not Good Enough ! I'm Hoping Maybe As I'm Writing This YOU Might Be Reading It Over My Shoulder Since I Didn't Tell You When I Had The Chance. I Pray I'm 1/2 The Woman & MOM You Was !! I Love You & Miss You So Very Much Mom !!

My mom has my deepest respect. She's the strongest woman or person i know. We didn't have much when I was a kid but she always made it happen for my 3 siblings and I. 8 years ago she  Iost my little brother , her youngest and ny oldest sister, her oldest ,withing 8 months of each other and I know it breaks her heart everyday.  I wish I could ease her pain and just want her to know how much I love her.

My mom was a great mom of 13, many grandchildren, great grandmother, great great grandmother and she left a legacy behind. My dad died when I was three and mom became a single mom, back then people may wonder how but she did it. She got her certificate and went to work for Social Services, while raising her children, and working every day;she was helping other people in life to make it. She loved to plant flowers in her garden, go to bingo, cook and make coconut cakes. She had a beautiful smile, every one in the neighborhood knew her and she was often helping someone in the neighborhood, at church or in the family. She instilled many values, morals and she was a woman of integrity. I’ll always love my momma she’s my favorite girl! 😇 I miss her so so much.