Mothers' Day: Mother-to-Mother by Lea Hurt
Long before Mothers' Day became the stock and trade of card shops, florists and other commercial outlets, there was a woman named Ann Maria Reeves Jarvis. 

Jarvis was born in Virginia in 1832, but moved to West Virginia with her family and married there.  She was a community leader, focusing much of her efforts on nursing, education, and local diplomacy in a time of political upheaval. 

According to the Anna Jarvis Birthplace Museum web site, she helped save many injured Civil War soldiers by teaching scores of women the basics of nursing and sanitation. She worked to preserve peace when political differences brought about by the war threatened to tear her community apart.  She also organized Mothers' Work Clubs.  These groups raised money for medicine, hired women to work for families in which the mothers suffered from tuberculosis, and inspected bottled milk and food.

Ann Jarvis died in 1905.  Her daughter Anna dedicated her life to establishing a national holiday to recognize mothers.  She succeeded in May 1914, when Sen. Tom Heflin of Alabama and Sen. Morris Shepard of Texas introduced legislation setting aside the second Sunday in May as day to honor mothers.  The legislation was approved and President Woodrow Wilson signed it into law, launching the official recognition of Mothers' Day. 

I first learned of Jarvis and the inspiring history of Mothers' Day when I worked as communications director for the late Sen. Howell Heflin of Alabama, nephew of the legislation's cosponsor Tom Heflin.  Every Mothers' Day, I would draft a weekly column for Senator Heflin tracing the history of this holiday.  After a few years, the story became so routine that I scarcely gave it much thought.  It wasn't until years later, when I had children of my own, that I looked at this day in a new light. 

Modern Mothers' Day, once you strip the Hallmark-Flowers-Direct commercialism, focuses on children and fathers recognizing the importance of mothers.  But think of it: Ann Jarvis- the inspiration for the day- spent her life helping other mothers, whether she was healing their war- wounded sons or providing resources for women too ill to care for their families.  Her life reminds me of many women who have reached out to help me when I needed a hand.

Naturally, I think of my mom first and how her example guides me in all my decisions as a mother.  Even though she's 750 miles away, I know that a quick phone call will confirm the best way to remove a tick or how to get the dumplings just right for my daughter's favorite chicken dish.  I remember my late mother-in-law and her illuminating stories of my husband's childhood escapades (which taught me much!) and how she dealt with 3 exuberant young ones.

I think of my playgroup moms who have been a great source of inspiration and support.  I think of girlfriends who have stepped in to care for my little ones at a moment's notice when we faced medical emergencies.  There are so many Sunday school and elementary school teachers who have given my sons and daughter hugs and when I was not there.  I have cried on the shoulders of countless moms when I needed advice and turned to church family moms when I needed help in guiding my kids spiritually. 

But often it's the simple acts of kindness that help most.  I had wonderful meals brought to my doorstep by moms as part of my church's new baby food chain.  Carpool moms step in to help juggle after-school activities.  Neighbor moms have watched my kids in a pinch.  I cherish comments from moms who notice when one of my children actually behaves.  I couldn't even begin to name them all.  The list is endless. 

As I honor my mom this year, I also want to recognize the women who, though pressed for time and patience in their own busy lives, have made time to help other mothers in need, following Ann Jarvis' example.  Their inspiration and kindness have helped make me a better mom.  Moms helping moms...it's one of my greatest blessings.  Thank you...and Happy Mothers' Day!

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"Mothers' Day: Mother-to-mother" is published here with approval from the author.  Any questions or permission to reprint should be directed to Lea Hurt through This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it