What does Mother’s Day mean to you?

With Mother’s Day just around the corner, it’s a good time to reflect on what the day means to mothers, including those moms being honored and those moms doing the honoring.

Mothers have been the main focus for families on the second Sunday of May each year since 1914, when it was declared a national holiday by President Woodrow Wilson. Families spend the day treating their mothers with flowers, gifts, chocolates and special meals.

While candy, jewelry, flowers, clothing or special brunches mean a lot to mothers, a recent survey published by Reddit.com reports a slightly different story when it comes to what mothers really want for Mother’s Day.

A large majority of moms responding to the survey listed a day of sleep at the top of their wish list. The most referenced items included sleeping all day or taking an extra-long nap, having someone clean the house, wanting someone else in the household to make all the decisions for the day, and doing nothing all day with no planning, no cooking and no cleanup.

Other items on the list included a weekend alone in a hotel or Airbnb, with a hot tub. One participant in the survey said they only wanted a book, a video game or a craft to spend the day alone, either playing or reading. One grandmother answered she didn’t like to have her kids or grandkids come over for the day; instead, she preferred a card in the mail or a phone call.

While there are many things to do around the area with mom on her special day, such as taking a leisurely walk on one of the Stark Parks trails, having lunch or dinner at one of the many restaurants in the area, going shopping or going to a movie with mom, it would be best to ask what she prefers before making any plans.

Hartville News asked several people around the area what the day means to them. Lake Township Trustee Sue Grabowski, local business owners Megan Wise and her mother Barb, and Lake Community YMCA District Executive Director Julie Daugherty shared what the day means to them, either as a daughter honoring her mother, or as a mother being honored by her children, or both.

Lake Township resident and trustee Sue Grabowski on what Mother’s Day means to her as a mom and as a daughter:

“As a mother of three adult children, Mother’s Day has moved from a time of rest or pampering to a day of reflection on the impact these three individuals are making in and on the world,” wrote Sue Grabowski in an email interview. “Each has distinct gifts and areas of influence, but all three are committed to God and working hard. Abbi, Mitch, Zane (and daughter-in-law Tiffany) have become my peers, so while I’ll always be their mom, it’s more rewarding to interact and observe them now as their friend and confidant. I couldn’t be prouder of the people they have become.”

When it comes to celebrating her mother, Grabowski added, “I was a late-in-life baby, and my birth followed the loss of an older teenage sister, whom I never met. After I became a mother, I gained appreciation for what my mom did for me — in her grief, she still raised me to love and serve God, care for the brokenhearted, laugh and pursue new things. My mom lived through many hardships but remained steadfast. I’m grateful for her example, and though she passed 14 years ago, I still regularly say to my kids what she said to me when I left the house: ‘Remember who you are.’”

Hartville business owners and mother and daughter Barb and Megan Wise shared what Mother’s Day is like for them.

The Wises said, “To us, Mother’s Day is a beautiful reminder to hit the pause button. Running a business together keeps us moving fast, so we cherish the chance to reflect on the incredible women who’ve shaped us.

“It’s a time to honor their accomplishments, resilience and kindness. We love having a day to share stories and remember the unforgettable laughter of those women. This year, we’re celebrating with a bakery excursion to find a ‘new-to-us’ spot, a mini adventure to add to the memories of little moments spent together.”

Megan added, “The maternal lines on both sides of our family are filled with witty and beautifully strong mothers, grandmothers, aunts and cousins. I was lucky to get to spend much of my childhood with my great-grandmother, Barb’s grandma. We called her GG.

“One of the first things I see when I walk through the shop door each morning is her monogrammed suitcase. It’s one of our favorite pieces of decor, and it feels like a little ‘hello’ to start the day. It serves as a constant reminder of that resourcefulness and creativity we’ve inherited. Seeing those initials reminds us that while the business is ours, the foundation was built by the strong women who came before us.”

Julie Daugherty, district executive director of the Lake Community YMCA, said Mother’s Day is about connecting generations.

“Mother’s Day has evolved for me. This special day reminds me of the love that connects generations. It is not only about honoring my mom, but also about the women who loved and supported me along the way. It’s what I have shared with my children and what now lives on in my grandchildren.”