AARP Rewards Mother's Day Contest 2026!

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. 

When I was in 7th grade, I wanted more than anything to be the Jolly Green Giant for Halloween. My Mom put together a green costume for me and wrapped plastic vines around my body. To finish the look, she mixed green food coloring into cold cream and spread it over my hands and my entire face. When the cold cream was washed off, we realized that the food coloring had tinted my skin. I remained green for several days, despite all of the scrubbing. I’m now 65 years old and my Mom is 88, and we still laugh about this.

My mother is an artist, an author, an interior decorator, a beautiful soul and the strongest mom anyone could ask for.  My mom always put my brother and I first when she was a single mom before she met my stepdad in 2019.  She did everything for us!  She had her own house, car, paid daycare, took us places, cooked, cleaned, and graduated college with a 4.0 GPA when my brother was a baby.  After 2019 when we moved into a new school district, my grandparents and my aunt hurt her bad because they didn't like my stepdad.  They withheld her wedding funds and even went to the lengths to try and convince my brother and I that we should live with our biological dad, who unfortunately wasn’t around. It was a hard time for us all, but my mom stayed strong throughout it all.  I chose to live with my mom and stepdad and my two stepsiblings.  They didn’t get a wedding, and she lost a relationship with my grandma and her sister because of that.  My mom hurt badly for a long time and I'm sure she secretly still does, but she never shows it.  She even wrote a book about her struggles, called “Tornado Lies”.  I admire her strength despite her family trying to hurt her. I went through a difficult time during the custody battle which caused me to spiral into deep depression and do things I shouldn’t have done at that age. My mother never gave up on me.  She had to stay strong for me to heal.  She truly is a remarkable woman to have endured so much and remain strong for everyone else. She does so much for everyone else.  Despite her hardships, she always wears a smile and talks about her faith in God. 

She pours her heart into our family every single day. My mom never backs down from a challenge. She never gives up. Even on the hardest days, when things feel overwhelming, she continues to show up with kindness, compassion, and unwavering strength. She puts everyone else’s needs before her own, often setting aside her own happiness just to make sure we feel safe, loved, and cared for. She never boasts, she rarely complains. She always puts herself last and I believe she truly deserves a break.  All her money goes towards bills, daycare, our house, Christmas, birthdays, ect.  I don't know how she keeps up with five kids, two dogs, a cat, a full-time job, grocery shopping, cleaning and still manages to make dinner every night; she's a great cook too!  She does so much for everyone else. 

My mom has an outgoing personality; she can carry on a conversation with anyone.  She has a way of connecting and understanding how someone else feels, which is why she's loved by so many people. Sometimes strength can be hidden though. Unfortunately, my mom recently suffered from a still birth four months ago, a week before Christmas.  I know she's been very sad lately; I can see it in her eyes.  I don't know how she carries herself with such dignity and humbleness. 

She is an exceptional woman.  If I can be half of the woman she is, I would be honored and proud to be like my mom.  I wouldn't be where I am today without her.  I’d like to say I’ve matured a lot over these years, but it’s because she’s always communicated with me and supported me.  Of all mothers in the world, I have the strongest, most beautiful mother inside and out.  She deserves the world and I want to see her happy.

She is the heart of our family.
She deserves to be reminded every single day how appreciated she truly is.
And while I know we don’t always say it or show it enough, I hope she knows how deeply loved and admired she is. Even if this never goes beyond a few readers, I just want the world to know she is an amazing woman, an incredible mother, and the reason our family is what it is today.

Plus if she won, the announcement would be close to her birthday!!!!  Her birthday is May 11th!  Happy Mother's Day and Happy Birthday Mom, I love you!!!!

Mothers Day was always fun as both a kid and adult. I would always make some drawing or art as a child and see the smile on her face. As an adult, it was equally enjoyable to see her smile when I would see her on Mothers Day. Those are great memories I will never forget.

My mom Patty is my biggest supporter and has helped me so much throughout the years. After my sister passing away in 2018, our relationship has gotten stronger and I can rely on her for anything. She has given me so much over the years, and I want to gift her something special to say thank you. She's a nurse and works incredibly hard, and works multiple double shifts to make ends meet. I hope you consider my mom to win, she 100% deserves it!!

Hi! 
my mom,  became my angel on my shoulder after a grueling battle with pancreatic cancer.  Through it all, she Kept smiling.  Her wisdom and wit, inner and outer Beauty shines as bright now as ever.  Thank you M.a.M.  For your everlasting love.   

my folks, teachers.  Music:  anyone can master music with the proper attitude.  ‘It is the rests between the notes” where the magic resides.  On that note:  we have vaccines for polio, Mmr,  please please please help keep these dis eases Dead. Thank a tribute today to DAngelo, Tania. Maria 🇧🇷, N Mr. David Sanborn (polio survivor). N Ylysses 🇨🇮 soccer football great. Blessings to u and yours! 🫶🏼🙏🤟💋

I miss my mom so much. I suffered from a painful condition which started in my early 30's. My mom was there to help with the kids and do anything I needed. She was very upset that I was suffering so much. My mom passed away about 6 years ago. After she died, I started to feel much better. It's like she asked for some divine influence and it was granted. It was such a major difference and at the same time, I can't ignore it. Thank you mom for helping me 

Being a single mom for 31 years and so proud of my accomplishments! Both my kids are artists and very intelligent I'm such a proud mother and if my mother was here she'd be even prouder!

My Mother inspired me to work hard (as she was a full-time working mom) and always made time with love and laughter alongside wonderful memories.

❤️💕🎉