EDITORIAL: Moms give more than we'll ever know

Today is Mother's Day. It is defined as this: "A celebration honoring the mother of the family or individual, as well as motherhood, maternal bonds, and the influence of mothers in society. It is celebrated on different days in many parts of the world, most commonly in March or May."

But it is so much more.

It is an opportunity to do for moms what we should and could do every day.

To say thank you.

To say I love you.

To say you are the best.

To give flowers. 

Take to a movie.

To buy breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Perhaps most important and best of all, spend time with. To make them feel special, because they are. It's not the material things that matter. It's the intangibles. 

Moms don't ask for much. They don't expect much. They toil and sweat over a million mundane things that are big deals to kids, so moms make it a big deal, too. What matters to their children matters to moms.

They give much. More than we'll ever know or understand. They sacrifice more than we could ever fathom. They give up careers for their kids. Lose sleep over them. Surrender peace and quiet from worry about them. Pray without ceasing for them.

From the time we are little and grow into teens and turn into adults, mom stands guard, ready to protect and ready to respond. We learn young to count on mom for good reason. Mom won't fail you.

The love of a mother is strong. It stays with us wherever we go, wherever we are. Mom doesn't have to stand next us or be within shouting distance. We know she is there, in our hearts.

So today, we hope you think about mom. If she lives nearby, see her. If she lives far away, call her. If she is no longer with us on, thank God for her.

We hope all moms have a happy Mother's Day, and their kids make them know they are loved.

And very much appreciated.