Remember when you were young and caught the flu or a cold? It was mom who nursed you back to health, right? When you scraped a knee, it was mom who cleaned the wound, put some antiseptic on it, followed by a bandage and a kiss.

How about all those years when mom cleaned your clothes and packed you off to school with a lunch she put together with care? Who cheered when you were in the school play, or knocking a hit into the outfield in softball or Little League? Who made those meals you’ll never forget and that you now measure all other dishes by? It was mom, wasn’t it?

After all they’ve done for us, our mothers deserve more than one day specially designated to sharing our appreciation for the tender-loving care they’ve shown us all our lives. Even those times when they may have yelled, their concerns were based on our best interests.

While we owe mom our love, affection and respect every day, all year round, at least we should make a special showing of our appreciation on Mother’s Day. And it just happens that Mother’s Day is on the horizon. 

Mother’s Day this year is on Sunday, May 14. Of course, the family will want to take her out for a nice meal. Some may give flowers and/or candy. But, if you’re looking for some special way to show how much you care, maybe there are some other ideas you can consider.

You may know of a gift that will really mean a lot to mom. Of course, there is more than a little truth to the idea that it’s the thought that counts. But, as long as you’re thinking about it, maybe you can take care of her car, truck or SUV a little.

Taking her vehicle out for a detailing will probably come as a very pleasant surprise. Having the oil changed, if it’s due, is certainly something mom will appreciate. A new set of floor mats, maybe personalized floor mats, will undoubtedly put a smile on mom’s face.

You can have the tires rotated and the brakes checked. This is something that may have slipped mom’s mind. But she’ll, no doubt, welcome the thoughtful gift that will help to keep her safe, just as she used to keep you safe when you were small.

With summer approaching, we count on some hot McHenry days, can’t we? Is the air conditioning in mom’s car, truck or SUV working up to par – will it keep her cool on those steamy days ahead? 

How about having her vehicle’s AC checked out and the system recharged. Every time she turns on the air conditioning, she’ll remember how thoughtful you were. Not only will she be nice and comfy on the road, but it will warm her heart again and again thinking of you.

Mother’s Day only comes once a year though, in reality, every day is Mother’s Day, isn’t it? Make the most of the official Mother’s Day and it will keep mom’s heart warm and glowing all year round.