The Mother’s Day Squirrel

Mother’s Day falls on Sunday, May 10, 2009 in the U.S. this year. Mother’s Day was founded in 1912 by Anna Jarvis, two years after her mother’s death. By 1914, Mother’s Day was a nationally recognized holiday. It was U.S. President Woodrow Wilson who signed the bill into law. Miss Jarvis was very specific about the meaning of the holiday. She meant for each family to honor their mother not to commemorate all mothers in the world.

In 1972, my husband purchased a decorative squirrel with intriguing rhinestone eyes at a garage sale for his mom for Mother’s Day. I believe the purchase price was one nickel which might have been a bit high given the artistic quality of the animal. The squirrel has a place of honor in the china cabinet nestled securely among the stemware. My mother-in-law holds no affection for squirrels in general but stated that if the house were to catch on fire, she’d grab the squirrel on her way out. Why? The squirrel was given by a young boy to the mom he loved.

Fast forward to Mother’s Day 2008, and my five year old son gave me a concrete squirrel festooned with rhinestones and glitter. I’m hoping to receive another one this year and turn them into bookends.

Some people give chocolates and flowers to their mothers on Mother’s Day. We give decorative squirrels. The gifts and customs may differ by age, gender and financial means, but they help us convey our affection and gratitude to the women of our families.

Kate Kenny, Managing Editor, Columban Mission magazine