AARP Rewards Mother's Day Contest 2026!

Thank you for all the lessons I learned 

The greatest gift my Mom gave me was the joy of laughter.  She taught me that laughter is a survival tactic.  Miss her every day!

MY mother was a hard work and I basically grew up with not much guidance because of it.  She had dementia for ten years and through all of that, I feel blessed that she taught me life lessons that I am truly grateful for.  patience, compassion and love for her deeply as she went through that awful disease kindly and appreciative of all that helped her through it.  

2 1/2 years ago my mom had to move into assisted living due to dementia I'm her only child ever since she's been there I bring her things to cheer her up she tells everyone there what I bring ending the evening with calling me mom and how much I love her and I'm the best mom

My Mom was always so caring and giving. One Christmas after her memory started to give her concerns, we were all gathered around for gift giving. She was so excited and wanted to give each grandchild a gift. One by one she called them and handed each child an envelope with their name on it. All 10 grandchildren jumped up and down hugging and thanking her. Telling her how much she is loved.

What she didn't know is that she had forgotten to put anything in the envelopes. I aways thought this was such a testament about the wonderful woman she was. 

Not one child, all of different ages, complained or questioned why the envelopes were empty. They kept their envelopes like it was treasure knowing the woman who gave it, had given her love and caring continuously. She never missed a school event or a piano recital, etc .... She taught them everything she knew. 

My mothers' super power is being able to forecast bad things to come. For some reason, she has a 6th sense about certain things, even if you don't want to hear of it. The neat thing is, I've learned to appreciate the present more because of this and to not stress over the "what ifs." Something may happen, but the good news is, we can weather the storm together. That's what being a parent is all about..."you can't stop the rain, but you can share an umbrella."- me (haha, I think that is an original quote or it is to my brain!) Thank you for the contest 🙂

My Mother-In-Law helped me feel like part of the family, ever since my wife 1st brought me to meet her family. My dad died years ago, and my M.I.L. shared her husband with me as a surrogate father. My M.I.L. also helped bring my ailing mom up from Yankee country to attend my wedding, which my M.I.L. hosted from her own HOUSE. My M.I.L. has encouraged my relationship with her daughter every step of the way in our dating and now well past the 7-year-itch stage. When my own mother passed away, my new family fully stepped up in every way, led by their Matriarch - and the mother to whom i dedicate this praise. Thank YOU - to my Mother In Law.

My mother, despite our differences, and her age, did something that I couldn't do.... And that was care for my beautiful children! She took on my 3 boys when she didn't have too. She has more maternal instincts then I do. I gave them more! I didn't give them up. She protects them, and provides for them, and I'll never be able to repay her for this. I appreciate her and love her very much! 

My mom was there for me think and thin.  I gave her hell as a teenager.  She never gave up on me.  She was always there when raising my daughter.  She was a tough cookie, but couldn’t beat pancreatic cancer.  Cheers to the best mom!  Love you!

Words can’t describe how thankful I am that the universe allowed and granted me the ability and access to conceive children and become a mother. And grew into the mother that I am today of three wonderful children!