Mother’s Day is here, and for some in the Southeast, it’s a day of firsts, cherished memories, and a few quirky obsessions.
For Heather, this year is extra special. "Well, my daughter, it’s her first Mother’s Day, so we’re going to do dinner together at her house," she said.
Heather adds she enjoys every moment with her grandson. "I waited a long time for this little boy, and I’m so happy he’s in our life."
For others, the day is a mix of joy and bittersweet moments. Shawn Wiebe recently lost his father, making this Mother’s Day a little more poignant. "My mom, oh man, she’s just a fantastic woman. We lost my dad last week, and she’s just been a pillar of strength and courage," said Wiebe. "She’s also the grandkids’ favorite cook of small and fat, perogies, and all that wonderful stuff."
Mother’s Day is also a chance to reflect on the weird and wonderful things that make moms unique. June Marcynuik Felsch Beaudoin remembers her mom’s obsession with plants. "She had a huge garden, flowers everywhere in the yard, and so many plants in the house you could barely see out the windows," she said. "Some said she had a green thumb, but really, her whole hands were green."
For Gabby Belinda K, her mom was a collector of odd things — from bread bags to twist ties and even advertising pens with no ink but plenty of sentimental value. "I am NOT exaggerating," she said, laughing.
Leanne Dubois said her mom collected souvenir spoons from places she visited. "Joke was on me," she said. "That was my chore to dust them once a month."
And for Rachelle Verrier, her mom’s greatest obsession was always her family.
Whether it’s celebrating first-time moms, honouring the strength of mothers who’ve weathered life’s storms, or laughing at the quirky things that make them who they are, Mother’s Day is a chance to say thank you to the women who hold it all together.
-With files from Kenton Dyck.