AARP Rewards Mother's Day Contest 2026!

My Mom was diagnosed with terminal lymphoma on May 7, 2001, six days before Mother's Day that year. When she called to tell me what the doctor had said I couldn't wrap my head around what she had said for a few minutes. We had already planned for her to visit my daughter and I on Mother's Day weekend before she went to the doctor. On the way back to my apartment from picking her up at the nursing home, I noticed her hand laying on her seat next to the middle console. I gently laid my hand on top of hers all the while knowing it was a special memory I intended to keep the remainder of her days and mine. Our weekend was all the more special knowing her time was short. We went out to eat and then visited my son, his wife and their little boy, Mama's first great-grandchild. The visit was full of laughter due to Mama's sense of humor. You just never knew what she would say! Three weeks later, we buried her. It was all over way too fast but the memories of that special Mother's Day lives on in my heart. Miss you Mama...always!

My mom was always a great cook. Our home was frequently the host home for family and friends and my mom frequently said, "We can always put another bean in the pot for added guests". On the occasion of my dad's 80th birthday, she prepared so much food, nearly every horizonal surface of the house was laden with all of the delicious foods that she prepared. With almost 100 people celebrating my dad's birthday, my mom made sure that no one left hungry. I think that the kitchen table might actually still have a permanent sag in the middle now after holding so much food. Good times, great food, and fond memories. Mom was the best and we all still miss her so.

in 1985, when my son was a kindergartener, he adamantly declared to me that he was treating me to breakfast for Mother’s Day. He then asked if I thought McDonald’s would be okay. My face lit up and I told him that would be perfect! With a look of relief on his face he said, “ I’m so glad that you don’t mind because I only have a little bit of money. But, when I’m all grown up and I get a good job we will go to a really nice restaurant!” That was 41 years ago and the tradition is still going strong. Even though I see him all the time, this is our special morning once a year and it is very meaningful to both of us. Every year as we enjoy each others company and our breakfast, always in a new and exciting place, I think back on our egg McMuffins from so many years ago and it’s bittersweet. The time has gone by so quickly, but we filled these passing years with so much love, family traditions and beautiful memories. This year we decided we are going back to McDonald’s where it all started, just because. I can’t wait to share more precious time over our McMuffins. I may even have him order a happy meal just for old times sake!!

Happy Mother’s Day to all🫶🏻

My mom always had a smile on her face and something positive to say no matter who she met. She always said you never know what someone is going through just a smile or words would make their day. I now do that encourage others.

I grew up on a dairy farm in the Midwest. My family wasn’t poor but we never had much disposable income. One year my cousin received a beautiful bride doll for Christmas and I told my Mom that’s what I wanted for Christmas. Of course, my family couldn’t afford it - I only ever had one doll as a child, but when Christmas came I received the miost beautiful bridal dress and veil for the doll I already had. Fast forward to the day I got engaged and was thinking of wearing my Mom’s bridal gown if she still had it. She said she didn’t- she had cut it up to make the bridal gown for my doll - all those years ago. One of my most important memories is of her - working late into the night - after I was asleep - to ensure I had a bride doll like my cousin. My Mom’s entire life was one sacrifice after another for her family

 

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 I was never fortunate enough to ever have bio kids of my own, so when a young woman we helped wanted to call Mom, my heart just melted. I may have not created the people I claim as my kids, but God gave me my God children and continues to bless me. 

My mother was getting ready to deliver my twin brothers. On Mother's Day she had the first four of us kids scrubbed and dressed for church where services were difficult for twitchy youngsters to sit through because the priest was very, very long winded. Just as it was time to step out the door my mother leaned hard against the door and told me to call my father home from work because it was time. She gave us three gifts that day, my twin brothers and a respite from long sermons.

When my son was just 9, he planned a Mothers day for us to spend the whole day together.  We started at one of our favorite Cincinnati places, the Zoo, followed by lunch at my favorite Indian restaurant.  After that we went to Northern Kentucky's Devou Park for a concert.  We finished our day at another of my favorite places - Pirate's Cove on the Ohio River.  Best Mothers Day ever!

My mom taught me to live within my income and also stress the importance of dignity of earning my own income. I have passed the same message to my daughter who is now 22 years old.

Few years ago, we spent mother's day weekend in participating in a program organized for Cancer Survivors.

My daughter took me on a trip to Rosarita, MX . We walked across the border into Tijuana and went to Hotel Caesar to have lunch. Of course we got the famous Caesar salad . It was great. We caught an Uber to Rosarito to our Airbnb right on the beach. It was so beautiful.  We did s I me shopping had some great tacos and listened to some great music.