Our view

Mothers give us guidance in times good and bad. Mothers tend to injuries, wash out stained sports uniforms and tote cameras to every event, recording the memories of our lives we will later cherish. Mothers sit up all night when children are ill. They prepare lunch and other meals, birthday cakes and special treats.

By some estimates, mothers spend up to 90 hours a week caring for their families--perhaps even more. And their work doesn’t stop once the children leave home.

Sentimental songs like “Just Before the Battle, Mother” during America’s Civil War spoke to the yearning adults felt--then as well as now--for their mother’s comfort in times of trouble. Norman Rockwell created almost saint-like images of the typical mom on canvas. When athletes wave to the camera, they invariably mouth the words “hi, mom” to the viewing nation.

There is a reason Americans will spend almost $21 billion on Mother’s Day gifts this year. The flowers, the jewelry, the brunch menus barely scratch the surface of the thanks they deserve, of course. But how can we account, in one day, for the dedication, love and commitment of a lifetime?