A day for moms

Editor's Corner

By David Richards

(Updated: Friday, May 09, 2008, 5:53 PM)

It was meant to be simple.

Families could pick some fresh carnations from the backyard and make mom a nice meal as a way to honor her for all of the hard work she does throughout the year.

That's what Anna Jarvis envisioned anyway.

Jarvis lived in Grafton, W. Va. and upon her mother's death in 1905, she yearned to find a way to honor her mother and all other mothers as well.

"She wanted it simple, have mom pick up her feet," said Pam Stout, the third cousin of Jarvis, who lives in Northern California. "Honor her for the day and let her rest."

The work Jarvis put in paid off as her efforts led to the first recognized Mother's Day.

A lot has changed since 1905, and the occasion is now filled with greeting cards and elaborate Sunday brunches in addition to the simplicity Jarvis preferred.

The celebration continues Sunday.

We wish all of our mothers a very Happy Mother's Day, and we thank each and every one of them for the hard work they endure each and every year.

Our Mountain Area moms do everything from run businesses, appear on school boards, take kids all over the valley to various activities and sporting events in addition to all of the other amazing things moms do already.

And with Bass Lake and Yosemite in our backyards, the mountains offer plenty of options when it comes to planning the perfect Mother's Day to go along with some of the elaborate brunches our various restaurants offer.

Or you could keep it simple, just like Jarvis did.

"In my family, all they do is fix me a nice meal," Stout said. "That's all I ask for. I've tried to keep up that simplicity. My kids get off pretty easy, but I'm blessed with two gourmet cooks."

What? Anna Jarvis wouldn't have gone for the type of brunch that boasts an omelet station and fresh blintzes?

"She wouldn't like that," Stout said.

Luckily for our Mountain Area businesses, there are people who do.

The issues above are discussed and chosen by the Sierra Star editorial board, made up of Betty E. Linn, publisher, and David Richards, editor.