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 

[JohnC1952]

My mother was bipolar and the disease would eventually take her from us too soon, at age 74. But I will never forget an adage she shared with me when I was fretting about something in high school. Mom said, “The things you worry about the most deserve the least amount of worry.” That has graced my life’s journey many times. Thanks Mom. 

[sassysuecross]

My mother didn't make my life very easy--but as I aged I realized she was passing on what was done to her. Her family was living in northern Alberta, Canada when her mother got pregnant with her and her father, who rode with the James Gang, told her to get rid of the baby or she'd never see him again--and he left her there with a 6 year old daughter and 3 slightly older sons. Birth happened in January in a blizzard and there was no doctor or such around but her eldest brothers got a vet to come. The vet gave my pregnant grandmother some medication that put her in a stupor which lasted her Duration. My mother was born healthy enough and her siblings held her to their mother's breasts to nurture her, while they were eating oats they had for their horses. Never learned how word reached distant family in America but somehow a horse-drawn wagon showed up to take them all to Nebraska. Their mother ended up institutionalized until she died something like 25 years later. I was the only child of my mother's 6 that she took with her to Nebraska and I met my grandmother--though my mother never told me who she was, and it took a long time until I realized I had met her! The children were all put to work on farms/ranches and taking care of houses, though of course the youngest needed a few years to be useful for any of these. My mother tearfully admitted to me once that she was given treats or such for tattling on her sister and her sister got beaten, and at times was innocent! Favorite sayings my mother had for me were "You think you're so smart; intelligent people end up crazy or in the gutter!" and "You'll never have a pot to pee in or a window to throw it out of!" I realized they were things yelled at her that she passed on. My father died when I was 20 and already had a 2 year old son and twin boys about 6 months old. After the funeral we were at her house while people were coming with food and such and I was in a bedroom changing my twins' diapers when my mother came in and tossed a big envelope on the bed and said, "You might as well have these; you were named after her!" Photos from my father's first wedding when he and his best friend married twin sisters. They thought his bride, Myrtle, was so exhausted from the big wedding plans but soon after getting married learned she had leukemia. People didn't survive cancer back then. After her death her sister asked my father if he ever had a daughter to name her Myrtle. I was the 4th girl and was given the name, so finally knew why I was treated like trash while my siblings weren't. My older siblings gradually stopped having communication with our mother but I did NOT. Though I had gotten a scholarlship at the University of Arizona so moved to Tucson and she lived in Mesa, on the edge of Phoenix, I stayed in touch--while getting my next 2 Psychology Degrees to help me deal with my childhood AND to not pass it on to my children. I would go up monthly and take her to get groceries or such. When I called I'd ask how everyone was and I remember stopping because she kept saying I was the only one she ever heard from. I cared, and I know she appreciated and NEEDED it. Somehow typing these memories doesn't make it sound like a positive take on my mother, but it helped me become the strong, independent, hyper-caring person I am, who raised 5 children mostly by my Self who all are Good People (including a diplomat and 2 police officers)--who went on to become a Special Ed teacher and helped many broken children find their strengths and move on also! 

[handsomepapa]

I miss my mom so much . My children and grandchildren were taken care of by my mom . I see their talents that they inherited from my mom . Because of my mother, my children and grandchildren are the best they can be . They are good parents because of my mom . Now I have great grandchildren and they are loved because my mom passed on her loving and caring characteristics. We miss you mom, grandma, greatgrandma and greatgreatgrandma Filomena Rocili . You are in heaven … our guardian angel … we miss you, love you but you are very very close to us … you are with us … your talents are in your entire family . Fly with the Angels mom .. Donna and Tami knows your secret recipes and is passing it to our Ohana.. you live through them … you will never be forgotten .. you and their papa  Rocili who soothe  them with his lullabies!!! 

[BruceW23402]

My mom is my best friend the one person who I can always count on for everything. But I have to share her with 3 other people mainly. My brothers and my sister. She always treats us all the same, never sharing more love for one than the other. She always seems to know who needs a little more attention at times. 80 years old and going strong. She is not perfect to the world but she is perfect to me in every way. 
i love her with all my heart. 

[CassandraG332721]

• I lost my precious mom when I was 25. She was my best friend. The most important thing she taught me was to pray. Every night from the time I could talk we would kneel down by my bed and ask the Lord to protect my soul and to bless our family. She was never able to get to know her 3 grandchildren or her 5 great grandchildren. Love you Mom! Happy Mother’s Day in heaven. 

[VictorR979291]

My mom and Grandma cared for everyone. They would always go out of their way to make sure that all my sister and my friends were taken care of and welcomed in their houses

[MelizzaC71]

If my mom had a superpower, it would be the ability to carry more than she should have to… and still make room for everyone else.
It would be the courage to keep going when stopping would make more sense.
It would be the kind of love that doesn’t announce itself loudly—but proves itself, day after day, in the smallest, most important ways.
And maybe—just maybe—that’s what makes it so powerful.
Because the world doesn’t always notice people like her.
There are no capes. No applause. No headlines.
Just a woman who keeps showing up.
Who keeps choosing love.
Who keeps holding everything together—quietly, stubbornly, beautifully.
So no, my mom doesn’t fly.
But she lifts people every single day.
And honestly?
That might be the greatest superpower of all. 💛

[jmcghee007]

Thank you mom for having super love.

[missy2]

We always went to church on Mother's Day.  All the ladies would be dressed up with new hats.  My Mother had a hat that was as big as a sunbonnet and filled with flowers.  People would tell her she had to sit in the back because they couldn't see around her hat!  We then went to Granny's house where all the aunts and uncles in the near area would show up with lots of food.  All my cousins would be there.  It was a great play day for us as young children.  As we got older, we were the helpers for the Mother's.  Almost all Aunts are gone except two...one is 1200 miles away.  Happy Mother's Day to all.  Enjoy them while you can.💕

[Dayton6055]

The recovery from my mom’s neurosurgery was not progressing well. I went to see her, understanding that her time was almost up. It was clear she wanted to communicate something to me. She struggled to form words, finding it quite challenging. After about 20 minutes, she said my name and then smiled. She then closed her eyes and gently fell asleep.

[j627439m]

 Our momma was sweet, kind and as her child you always felt safe and loved. She would answer all our questions, “but why mom” with the most simple answer to satisfy us.   I was probably 14 and nervous to tell her what I did.  “ Mom, I did something bad and I need to tell you”.  She took my hand and looked at me with her kind eyes and said, “before you tell me, do you think you can fix it”? I said, “maybe I can.” “Well why don’t you go do just that and if you still need me it’s ok.”  I did fix it and her advice was golden. I am now 73 and her advice has helped me several times. Thank you for letting me share my story. 

[mizbethe]

My moms greeting to visitors was often "Have you eaten?"

[SereneSeagull]

That’s a mom!  Always the caregiver and full of love!

[xxshalaxx]

MY MOMMA, SHES DIFFERENT .. SHE TAKES CARE OF LITERALLY EVERYONE BEFORE HER OWN SELF. VERY SELFLESS SHE IS. GROWING UP MY MOM WAS A SINGLE WORKING MOM, BROUGHT US TO WORK WITH HER, ALWAYS MADE SURE MY SISTER AND I NEVER WENT WITHOUT. IF I COULD THINK OF ANYONE WHO DESERVED SOMETHING SWEET LIKE THIS , IT WOULD ALWAYS BE HER. 

[sc70474417]

As my mother warned me many times, "Don't make love by the garden gate cause love is blind but the neighbors' aint."  This is true no matter your age! 

[SereneSeagull]

But it’s fun anyway!

[JohnC529790]

When my mom used to pack lunches for my dad and all six kids, she always included an unexpected treat!

[frankie9799]

My Mom is gone now. But she always that as long as we did our best there was nothing to be ashamed of. I share with my kids and grandkids. 

[joancarr19372]

My mom and grandmother “mom mom” were the best.  They died over 30 years ago but their memories make everything special 

[km78509166]

I’m saluting my two daughters , mothers to my beautiful grandsons . The emotional strength it takes to raise a child these days , I’m in awe of them and all new moms . 

[NancyG617883]

My Mother was the Kindest, Sweetest, Friendly Soul. She loved us and we knew. I miss her.

One of my memories...." If money can fix it don't worry". 

[viewfan]

My Italian mother loved to bake after she was retired.  She made the best cream filled cream puffs, all made from scratch, they were amazing  She also made Easter Bread with colored eggs braided into the dough. So happy I have pictures of her with those beautiful breads.

[DeborahT553927]

1. Thankyou to my mother, she is strongest lady and taught me to be strong, fierce,and don't take no crap. She taught me to be the best i can in life! Very lucky  to have her as my mom!! 

[JamiM341038]

My mother said always be kind to people because you never know what they have been through. If you hold open a door, or pick up something or give them a smile, it may be the nicest thing that happened to the that day. I always think of that and try to be like my mom. She said it doesn't matter much to you, but it could mean everything to them.

[SelinaE119107]

So there were mothers who were connected by their sons who are currently in 7th grade and has been friends since third grade. These mothers now learn grow and teach each other lessons and go through life together and pursue of happiness peace and sisterhood.

[mm9230]

My mom taught me to do crossword puzzles in ink - have confidence! She was one of the smartest and most knowledgeable people I ever knew, and when dementia infiltrated her brain, she and I both understood the tragedy of the disease. Though she's been gone from my life for 19 years, I'm lucky to have been the recipient of her grace, manners, and intelligence.

[franktlondos]

Janis is the best mom and grandmother, always giving advice and making sure the grandchildren have what the need!

[DorcasP19849]

My Mother passed away on Easter Sunday in 1986 at the age of 61. That year Easter was on March 30th. We grieve more for her on Easter than on March 30th. She was a very intelligent woman for someone whose education was sparse. She had common sense as well as intellectual knowledge. She was a great cook, house keeper and a loving Mother.She was strict when it came to discipline. She raised 9 children I being the youngest. She had a fierce love for all of us. She took up for us when we were wronged by a teacher. For example: One of my sisters got a paddling in school. The students were told if they missed 5 or more on the test they would be paddled. My sister missed five questions on the test. She was paddled. Her grade was a 75, which at the time was considered a C. When my sister told Mommy, she went the next day she to the school. Met with the Principle and the teacher. She asked the Principle and teacher why my sister recieved a paddling when she got a passing grade? She told them to never lay a hand on any of her children unless they called her first. She would decide whether a paddling was neccessary. The next school year the teacher was no longer employed at that school. Now at home discipline was her reponsibility. No wait till Daddy gets home. I remember one time when several of us were tussling around,. Mother came in the room spanked each of us. Had us sit on the couch and asked who started. I don't think any of us told who started or we couldn't remember who started it. I tell people she was the kind of disciplinarian who spanks first and asked questions later. Whomever I tell that story to thinks it's hilarious. Even though a spanking was involved it is now funny. I loved and still love my Mother dearly. She has been gone 40 years now. I still miss her. Especially when I need the loving kindness she gave to us all. 

[DeniseB859617]

Mom's perseverance and strength have been truly amazing. Two years ago she had a car accident that involved 4 cracked ribs and a fractured sternum. She developed sepsis while in the hospital. I was concerned we'd be planning a funeral while she was in ICU before the date my wedding was to be. She was determined to be out of hospital and rehab within 6 weeks. She achieved her goal and led the wedding processional at my wedding leaning on the arms of her grandson. She's now 84 and continues to hold her determined spirit in all her endeavors. She's just remarkable. Love you mommy.