Foodlore Library

One day a year we have the opportunity to acknowledge the labor and love that goes into being a mother and her ability for creating and nurturing life. We each honor one special woman in our lives. We know what Mother’s Day symbolizes and we reach out with all we can, with all we know and understand. We try to express love with the gifts we pick up at stores, but these gifts, hopefully, will have meaning that goes beyond the simple credit card swipe.

Perhaps we have herad and followed that little voice in our heads that drives us towards more compassionate giving. If there is any holiday, in which we would should consider carefully how to compassionately give, it should be Mother’s Day.

Though our gifts have a meaning that comes from our souls and our hearts, sometimes its good to look at how other folks give love. Perhaps we can learn and find solutions to our struggle to find “that perfect gift” by looking away from objects.

I interviewed Evva who grew up in Poland. With a gleaming smile, she excitedly shared how her brothers and sisters made Mother’s Day special for their mother. Though her family lacked financial wealth, they managed to give of their abundance through being persistence, planning and skillful labor. Evva tells of the gathering of flowers, and careful planning with siblings to honor mom on her day.

After interviewing Evva, I reflected on what she had shared. More importantly, I thought about the images that her words created in my mind: flowers from children, cakes, pierogies, and most importantly, I imagined the the spirit behind what she said. Undoubtedly, Evva's experience has illuminated my understanding of giving, and I hope it will do the same for you.