This Sunday, on May 10, nearly 100 countries will celebrate mothers all around the world. Many families have special traditions to celebrate the holiday. I remember every Mother’s Day as a child waking up early and making Mom peanut butter toast and my step-dad helping us make her a cup of coffee. We would bring it to her in bed with a card and maybe some flowers we picked outside.
My mom, Mary Rotundo, has witnessed countless women becoming mothers for the first time. For 35 years she’s worked as a registered nurse. For the last 25, she has worked in labor and delivery. Many of those years she worked in the maternity ward of Chenango Memorial Hospital.
“My favorite part of being a Maternity nurse is being able to witness and participate in a mother meeting her child for the first time. Especially first time mothers, who can’t believe they grew a little human in their belly, and now that little human is all theirs,” she said.
This is probably because this is her favorite part of being a mother. “My favorite part of motherhood? Watching your own little humans grow from wiggling being inside of you, to become their own person. Knowing that you gave life to someone and watching them grow.”
Usually this is the week in school where children are making homemade cards, customized with hand prints or macaroni art to proudly present to their moms. There have been many reminders circulating social media that this will not be the case this year. Schools have now been closed for the remainder of the year due to the corona virus.
With social distancing still in effect, there are a few ways children and significant others can still ensure the mothers in their life still get the recognition they deserve.
You could take the route I took each year, with breakfast in bed. Mom was always delighted to receive a few pieces of toast and a cup of coffee. For many mothers, it really is the thought that counts.
If you’re looking to do a little extra, there are local businesses that are still open and ready to supply you with the perfect gift.
Rick Williams, owner of Pires Flower Shop in Norwich, says their greenhouse is open and stocked with hanging flower baskets and vegetable plants.
“We will be getting a limited supply of cut flowers. We have a website where you can see the arrangements and place an order online. We deliver up to a 50 miles radius, sometimes farther,” said Williams.
When asked how soon people should place their order, Williams said “The sooner the better, we’re working with limited delivery drivers. If you can take deliveries earlier in the week, that’s greatly appreciated.”
Orders can be placed by calling Pires Flower Shop at 607-336-8224 or visiting their website at Piresflowerbasket.com
If you’d like to make Mother’s Day a little sweeter, Minty’s Candies located in downtown Norwich has gift sets made just for mom.
“We have a bouquet of solid chocolate roses, that can be paired with a vase filled with kisses. We also have Mother’s Day chocolate pizza, as well as a gift box set with chocolate pizza, chocolate covered cookies, and a s’mores treat,” said Minty’s owner Mindy Chawgo.
Chawgo said orders can be placed online at mintyscandies.com. You can also order by calling or texting the store at 607-226-2211. The store can deliver within a 10 miles radius, as well as ship your order.
“If you want your order shipped in time for Mother’s Day, you’ll need to get your order in by this Wednesday,” said Chawgo.
Both businesses have expressed gratitude towards the community, each stating that without their loyal customers, they would have a hard time staying a float during NY on pause.
So whether it be a chocolate pizza, a hanging basket, a macaroni necklace, or peanut butter toast in bed, be sure to find a way to say thank you this year for everything your mom has done for you. She did give you life after all.
From me to my mom, because I know she will be reading this, Happy Mother’s Day, Momma. Thank you for everything you’ve sacrificed to give me and my siblings a good life. I love you.