Mother’s Day about two weeks away. Mothers, grandmothers, daughters, granddaughters who are mothers and daughters-in-law will be celebrated. Most will receive a flower delivery or perhaps a piece of sparkling jewelry.

I think back on the gifts my mother, daughters, granddaughter, and daughter-in-law have given me over the years. None are more treasured than their written words. I cannot recall the material gifts all tucked away crisply in bright wrapping paper with a bow, but indeed I have saved every single card that accompanied the gift. These written words are from the heart: a forever keepsake and a reminder of the love that surrounds us every day.

Words Are A Powerful Gift

Your flowers get tossed; the vase goes on the shelf. Your words are forever.

The best Mother’s Day gift you can give your mother or your daughter and daughter-in-law on Mother’s Day is a hand-written letter on your personalized stationery. You don’t have to peer through the Mother’s Day card section at my favorite card shop Papyrus to find an expression of love. You neither need to search for presents online nor shop till you drop! The most meaningful gifts treasured for a lifetime really do come from the heart.

I acknowledge that some mother-daughter relationships may exist on less than stable territory. I also understand that some of you have trouble expressing your thoughts in words. Mother’s Day is your perfect opportunity to renew a relationship by being vulnerable, heartwarming, and honest while penning a loving note.

Topics to Write About

I have a few suggested topics to help you write the most meaningful Mother’s Day card. Even if you’ve never written your mother a long-form heartfelt note before, it’s never too late to start and there’s no better time to begin that sincere communication than this week. Here are a few topics to ease you into writing your Mother’s Day card:

• Thank her for her sacrifice and love
• Acknowledge a special memory
• Write a genuine apology letter
• Describe, in your words, the deep bond you feel between yourself and your mother or your daughter
• A note of appreciation for the values your mother taught you–how they shaped you into the woman you are today
• Distinguish her, in your words, as the most fabulous mother or daughter in the world

A Lifetime of Sentimentality

I penned this blog because, as the mom to two daughters and a daughter to my mom, I have had the pleasure of receiving letters from all of them. They are treasured gifts carefully tucked away in my ‘memory drawers filled with a lifetime of sentimentality.

One drawer contains special letters and notes; the other is filled with heartfelt items. Of the two drawers, my favorite is the one that is piled high with paper and words written from the heart, all from family members who love me.

Before I sign off, I want to offer a few words of wisdom to my daughters, granddaughters, and daughter-in-law on Mother’s Day.

A Gift of Words to Carry

1. Keep the advice from your mother and grandmother tucked in your mind. They will not steer you wrong.

2. Be kind. A kind person is a happier person.

3. Honor yourself and you will be honored.

4. Experience the world; travel whenever you have the opportunity.

5. Every action has a reaction.

6. Hold true to your values. They comprise the core of who you are.

7. Fear not a decision.

8. Your friends should mirror you; not you mirror them.

9. Forgive, even during the toughest of times.

10. Revel in your heritage, celebrate every part of you that you have come to be.

11. Surround yourself in nature.

12. Give back whenever you can.

13. Always be a lady.

14. Love, love, love.