The story of Mothers Day is the story of firm determination of a loving daughter from West Virginia, Anna Jarvis, who resolved to pay tribute to her mother, Mrs. Anna M. Jarvis, and all other mothers of the world.

She is recognized as a ‘Founder of Mothers Day’ and ‘Mother of Mothers Day’, although never a mother herself. What an appropriate title to define this remarkable woman’s devotion to her mother and to motherhood in general.

Anna kept the word of her activist mother, Mrs. Anna Marie Reeves Jarvis, who once wished that someone should provide mothers their due recognition. After her mother’s death in 1905, Anna's determination became a passion and she, along with several supporters, started lobbying for the official holiday on Mothers Day by writing letters to the people in power.

To celebrate Mothers Day, Anna began sending her mothers favorite flowers, carnations, in her local church requesting people to wear them in honor of their mothers. The idea gained immense popularity over the years and in 1910, West Virginia became the first state to recognize the Mothers Day holiday. On May 8, 1914 President Woodrow Wilson signed a Joint Resolution designating the second Sunday in May as Mothers Day.

To All Mothers, Grandmothers, Godmothers, Aunts, and Caregivers of children…
Celebrate a Joyful and Happy Mothers Day….

Linda Kay Holden New Beginnings Community