What do mothers want for Mother's Day?

By Carol Holoboff The Western News

Mother's Day started nearly 150 years ago in the United States, but the practice of giving tribute to mother's may have began when the Greeks dedicated their annual spring festival to Rhea, the mother of many deities, or with the Roman's offerings to their Great Mother of Gods, Cybele.

Anna Jarvis who lobbied prominent business men and Presidents Taft and Roosevelt to create a special day to honor Mothers lived to regret the 1914 signing of a bill by Woodrow Wilson recognizing Mother's Day as a national holiday. At first, people observed Mother's Day by attending church, writing letters to their mothers, and eventually sending cards, presents and flowers. As greed and profit took precedence over the intended sentiment of the day Jarvis filed an unsuccessful lawsuit to stop Mother's Day.

Many Libby mothers, while enjoying their day of honor, may feel that Jarvis was justified in her disappointment with the commercialization of the day. When asked what they wanted for Mother's Day, a surprising number of respondents said they would like to be with family or receive letters and phone calls from children out of town. In response to the second question, "What do you think you will get?" a majority said, "Oh, flowers, I guess."

Jean Morton said, "My two sons have serious medical problems and I just want them to stay as well as they are today."

Sarah Crace said, "I want my kids to clean their room," but she admitted flowers will be welcome.

Debbie May, who is trying to complete her teaching certification while tending to an ill spouse hopes to spend the morning at church with her son.

Shanda Jennings wants peace and quiet but expects chaos and a headache.

Donna Shriner said, "I really want a huge patio umbrella, but I'll probably get cards and flowers and phone calls.

Linda Newstrom would trade flowers and plants for a day off at home.

Jena Nelson wants a vacation but will settle for breakfast out.

Betsy Miller, who has no children, would like to have six children, preferably babies.

The Libby mothers who graciously participated in the sampling always added that it wasn't that they didn't like flowers and gifts, but all they really wanted was to be remembered on Mother's Day.