“The real religion of the world comes from women much more than from men – from mothers most of all, who carry the key of our souls in their bosoms.”

When Oliver Wendell Holmes wrote that he touched on a deep truth that permeats humanity º the love of a mother for a child, and a child’s bond to his mother.

It’s that love and bond which we celebrate this Sunday, on Mother’s Day. And throughout Pike County, mother’s will be the proud recipients of breakfast in bed, hand-made cards, corsages to wear to Sunday services. They will be treated like a queen for the day, honored and thanked for the tireless work they do each and every day.

And for those among us whose mothers are no longer living, memories will turn bittersweet this weekend, as we remember those who nurtured and cared for us – “who carried the key of our souls in their bosoms.”

But, really, motherhood is about more than just one day. In today’s hectic, fast-paced and technology driven world, it’s about juggling tasks and priorities; it’s about trying to raise children to become good citizens, caring and capable; it’s about protecting and letting go, all at the same time. And, just as mothers have known for thousands of years, motherhood is about hope and faith … those abiding gifts that, combined with love, are necessary for all mothers.

In this 21st Century, the traditional image of mother is ever-changing. Single mothers, adoptive mothers, step-mothers, even surrogates who take on the role of mother are common. And each, in her own right, is becoming mother to our children.

We hope this weekend you’ll take a moment to reflect, and offer a prayer of thanks, for your mother; the mother of your children; or someone you know who is a mother – even if they scoff at the fuss and attention.

Thank you, to all the women brave enough to be called “mother.”