The Rest of the Story...concerning Mother's Day

     Growing up as a child, washing dishes was a lot less dreaded chore if we listened to the radio.  My favorite newsman was Paul Harvey. Though I may not recall subject  matter from those days as he spoke, I do recall The Rest of the Story segments which must have been valuable information.

     In school I learned about Mother's Day, but didn't realize all the friction about its origin.  I just assumed that Anna Jarvis was responsible.True it was that she was a motherly like lady who cared for the hurt and dying during the Civil War.  However, she was not the originator of the idea to honor mothers.

     And so The Rest of the Story states:  Mother's Day was inaugurated by a single lady, Mary Towles Sasseen in 1887 at Center Street School in Henderson, KY where she served as principal.  In 1893, she wrote and published a book entitled "Mother's Day."  Its theme was the need of children setting aside a day in which to honor mothers. She enclosed programs to use and dedicated the book to her own deceased mother. Mother's Day observance grew as a result.

     At the corner of Center and Green  is a monument to commemorate her importance. When I moved to Henderson to teach, this was a wonderful short walking field trip to learn first hand about Miss Sasseen.

     In 1904, Miss Sasseen married Judge Wilson of Pensacola, FL, but died two years later.  She was returned to Fernwood Cemetery in Henderson for burial. Five years later the KY legislature passed a resolution officially recognizing Miss Sasseen as the pioneer in the Mother's Day field where it was organized and celebrated as early as 1888. Ann Jarvis also died. Thus, her daughter persuaded President Wilson to make this a national holiday.

     Observances of Mother's Day grew to such proprtions following the Sixty Third Congress in Washington, DC that a president would have to agree that this was a good thing.

     The Rest of the Story continues, whether Paul Harvey announces it or not.

     Two women whether they had their share of credit or when they received it, had a mission in mind, that of honoring motherhood. Many unsung heroines  of motherhood who never bore a child have died without ever being recognized. Whisper encouragement or sweet thoughts of affirmation to someone who has blessed you on your journey, or while you still have time, call your own Mother to tell her how much you love her.

From my heart to yours, have a wonderful Mother's Day and God bless you as you honor motherhood.