Saluting the Heart of America's Home: Mother's Day.

The second Sunday in May, families across the nation sit down to dinner together to honor one of life's greatest virtues: Mom. Though Mother's Day is more than Sunday morning pancakes, greeting cards, and flowers, it's a holiday built around love, sacrifice, and personalized input mothers bring into our own lives.

From the moment we are born, mothers are our earliest teachers, our loudest cheerleaders, and our caregivers. They keep late nights with us, bray for us at school productions and sporting events, and rock us when the world is just too much to bear. No matter the age, a mother's love is one of the few things we can rely on.

A Tradition Born of Love

Mother's Day in the United States started in the early 20th century. It was created by Anna Jarvis in 1908 for her mother and for everything that all mothers do for their children. It was made a national holiday in 1914 when President Woodrow Wilson signed it into law, and before long it was one of the most celebrated days of the year.

Because. From the start. Americans have attempted. To do. Their best. To offer a sincere. Expression of appreciation—by way. Of. Hand. Written letter,. Gift. Giving, or. Small. Act. Of. Kindness.

Why Mother's. Day. Is enjoyable. Is. The fact. That it. Does not. Always. Have to be other than usual;. It is the spirit. Behind an act. That. Really. Counts.

More Than Just Mom

Despite the biological mothers who traditionally celebrate Mother's Day, the holiday remains the day in which all mothers in our lives are celebrated: grandmothers, stepmoms, foster moms, aunts, sisters, and even family friends to boot. There are all sorts of families and with family more so today due to the diversity of family make-up and structure, honoring the mother-like women who provided for us, nurtured us with love, and cared for us in their life becomes necessary.

It's also a day you can celebrate the mothers who have died. Preparing one of her favorite dishes, lighting a candle, or praying for her special blessing are all wonderful ways of having her share with you.

Sensitive Ways to Celebrate

If you'd like some sensitive ways to celebrate this Mother's Day, here are some ideas that are a little more sentimental than the usual bouquet:

Write a Letter: A letter written in your own handwriting is so nice work in our texting, emailing day and age. Write her your favorite memories and how she is such a part of you.

Plan a Day Together: It is the day itself lounging at home watching movies, at a museum, or a picnic in the park that says nothing, yet somehow saying does the trick.

Cook Her Favorite Meal: Get into the kitchen to demonstrate your gratitude. Bonus points if it's something she would normally make for you!

Stand Up for Something She Stands for: Make a donation in her name. Most mothers enjoy having their values shared with the next generation.

Give Her a Break: At times, the greatest gift of all is to simply leave her in peace. Do laundry, take things out of her daybook, or simply provide her with a quiet cup of coffee and an uninterrupted morning.

A Reflection of American Values

Mother's Day is not a national holiday; it's an American appreciation, love, and family value holiday. During the moments in our lives when the world's been nuts and exhausted, taking time out to thank the unconditional commitment of mothers reminds us of what matters most.

This Mother's Day, let us not simply post something or send a card. Let us not simply extravagantly spend, fulsomely eulogize, and give such women eulogies who keep on giving but receive none.

Because in eulogizing mothers, we are, in fact, eulogizing the very columns of our home, community, and nation.