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 

[mm77866126]

I want to thank my mother for the life she gave me i miss you mom😍

[SereneSeagull]

That’s beautiful.  

[DonyaTann]

The most important thing my mother taught me is to never give up. When things are bad that means they'll get better. When things are good, be grateful. Also share goodness with others. Be genuinely happy for others and their successes. The golden rule applies to everything. 

[j848945r]

My mother was a farm wife. She prepared all the meals, kept a garden so we could have homegrown (pesticide free) veggies, ran after equipment parts for the farm and then took the time to sew all four of us girls matching yellow (with flowers) Easter dresses.

[kariann]

     I didn't appreciate my Mom until I was older, as a teenager I always thought I'll never act like that or think like that. But guess what I learned many lessons from her, I think I'm a better parent and person because of her. My Mom got Alzheimer's in her 70's and now every time I forget something, I think oh no I've got it now. But because I know the signs I don't freak out too much. I have pictures and objects that I've kept for the happy memories and I thank you Mom and Love you

[SereneSeagull]

Isn’t that something, as we age we appreciate the lessons our parents taught us, even more.  I always made a point as an adult to thank them for that.  We don’t always see this as teens, but it becomes more apparent as we grow and mature.  Loved your post @kariann 

[blueroseviolin1129]

Everlasting Influence 

My mom, a blessed memory, still plays an active role in all I think about, say, and do. She always encouraged me to pursue my dreams. At 65, I am going back to school to be a licensed Music Therapist-what I originally went to college for. I don’t regret choosing a career as a Teacher of the Visually Impaired for 41 years. I loved it. My desire to help others, as well as myself, something she always wanted for me, is now my goal and I will pursue it passionately. She always withheld her energy until the time was right to release it towards the most important things to her  - family, faith, and the future. I know I can never fill her shoes, but because of her, I am grateful to be able to fit comfortably in my own.

[SereneSeagull]

So beautifully written @blueroseviolin1129 .  How interesting…a music therapist.  Such a rewarding path to go down!  That’s super!

[m870874h]

At The Kitchen Sink

One day while I was standing at my kitchen sink, I began to ponder, to just stand there and think, soon tears were streaming down like raindrops from the Sky and I heard my husband saying, was it I who made you cry.

It was at that moment, when it became so clear, what it means to be a mother, one so

precious and so dear. I began to think back on the things I never knew, until I was

standing there, and it all became so true.

All the things I thought were natural, were

indeed a hefty chore, but I had never once hummed while sweeping up my floor and all

the clothes that I'd left laying on the bathroom floor, they weren't picked up by fairies washed and put back in a drawer and those cakes that I smelled baking when I opened up the door, well magic didn't bake them like I thought it had before and the supper on the table and the popcorn on the couch that just did not happen but I had never figured that all out

Mom was always standing there to give me a little kiss and to listen to my problems which were own a lengthy list,  but somehow all around me all these things were always done, and she was somewhere singing about something God had done. That is the moral of the story of her life, that is why she was smiling in the middle of the strife, not complaining and not screaming I have too much to do but humming about Jesus, that is what always got mom through.

It was during my break down, there at my sink, where God whispered to me softly it can be easier than you think, I have never felt emotion, nor have I loved as deep, as I loved my Mother that day standing there at my kitchen sink.

I am blessed to still have my momma and it is only because of who she is that I was able to overcome many obstacles in my life. God has blessed us tremendously.  

[SereneSeagull]

@m870874h I’ve seen that,  “At the Kitchen Sink” poem before.  Beautiful, and very relatable.  Thank you.

[Nadja7]

When I was a girl in the 1970s, I belonged to Girl Scout Troop 532 in Southern California. Our troop was known for being active, mischievous, and endlessly creative, and always finding ways to get ourselves into trouble.
One crisp autumn evening, with school just a few months underway, we gathered at the Girl Scout house in the city park, waiting to board the bus for our annual fall camping trip. The sky was darkening, the air misty, and a storm was clearly on its way. Girls from all the local troops were assembled, chattering excitedly, sweaters pulled tight against the chill.
Impatient as ever, we began to chant, trying to hurry the leaders to let us board. Between our shouting and the roar of the idling bus engine, it was nearly impossible to hear what our troop leader was saying. Soon, it became clear. The camping trip was canceled. A big storm was coming, and disappointment settled over the group like a huge gray cloud.
I looked at my mom, and I could tell she saw the disappointment on my face. With a giggle and creativity, she said, “Invite your troop over to our house.”
And that’s exactly what I did. That night, our house transformed into a Girl Scout camp. There were sleeping bags everywhere! Girls slept in the living room, the den, and three bedrooms upstairs. There were giggles, whispered conversations, and the constant shuffle of friends claiming sleeping spots. Somehow, amid the chaos, my mom orchestrated a pancake breakfast the next morning. That weekend wasn’t just about avoiding disappointment. It was about generosity, creativity, and the kind of warmth that leaves a lasting mark. My mom didn’t just save the day for me; she saved it for an entire troop of girls.
When my mom passed, I shared this story at her memorial. My old Girl Scout friends nodded in agreement—it was a core memory for all of us, a small but shining example of how one person’s kindness can ripple out and touch many lives.

[SereneSeagull]

That’s a wonderful memory to have!  

[cg1999584]

My mom’ super power was super chef. My mom worked at night, driving from Waldorf MD to McLean, VA as a federal government worker, and by the time she got home we were already gone for school. Back then there was no “microwave” to heat or cook meals so my mom prepared enough meals for at least 5 days on Saturdays her day off, froze some of them and I was responsible for heating and serving my dad and three brothers, cleaning the table and doing the dishes as a child until I was about 16. My biological mom died when I was 7 and my dad remarried and my mom who raised me did an exceptional job for a woman who married a widower in 1969 with 4 children, 9 and under and had no children if her own. Now that’s a super mom!

[SereneSeagull]

For sure!  @cg1999584 

[l52798p]

Hi! My mom's super power is being a great listener. She knew you were struggling with an issue but didn't pry. She would let you open up when you were ready. She didn't interrupt you with her opinions or bombard you with questions. She let you speak & nod her head.  She would wait patiently until you asked for her thoughts & then shared her wisdom. She still does & we're all grateful.🙏

[SereneSeagull]

A listener is the greatest thing to be.  👍

[MamaMacB]

My mother, my superhero, endured unimaginable hardships, including surviving an emotionally abusive marriage, to raise her four children. After leaving that abusive situation, she managed to raise them on her own. She became a nurse and spent the next fifty years helping others heal. She even cared for her own grandchild suffering from a debilitating and terminal disease. I witnessed her envelop her family in the kind of love and strength only a few people can show when facing such a great loss. And she did the same for me when my husband unexpectedly passed away when my daughter was just ten years old. By example, she taught me the importance of facing every challenge with hope, courage, and integrity. At 87, soon to be 88, she remains the center of our family. Her smile continues to light up a room, and her innate capacity for goodness and spreading joy uplifts everyone who has the privilege of having her in their lives. She is simply the heart of my heart, and I love her dearly.

[lamatos]

Happy Mothers Day Mom

  you are no longer with us but I want to thank you for always being there fpr me.Through good and bad.I love you and always will.

   MY Mom

[NormaE471443]

My mom passed away in 2021 at the age of 91. She had lived in the US for 60 years and had never returned to her beloved homeland of Guatemala. She was a proud American but also proud of her Guatemalan heritage. She spoke English perfectly with the most beautiful accent. She taught us to love and respect our country but to also love and respect our heritage and culture.

I am a proud Latina American because of her.

Te quiero mucho Mama

[cg1999584]

Wonderful❤️

[DeborahJ939300]

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. 

[cg1999584]

Now this not only a super mom but a super super mom wow 🤩 

[SereneSeagull]

She sounded very special, @DeborahJ939300 

[ShannonP543381]

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.

[ShannonW14183]

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 !!

[kikid]

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. 

[SereneSeagull]

Beautiful 

[ChristineG27005]

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.

[SereneSeagull]

lol, so true!

[Lindacs58]

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!