Sunday Summary - 10th May: Mother's Day Edition

Dear reader,

Welcome back to your Sunday summary! This week, we’re doing something a little different in honor of Mother’s Day. Instead of doing the normal news report for the last week, we’re going to highlight our members and their maternal figures. The ‘Maastricht Diplomat’ journalists value their moms, who inspire them in their daily lives.

Mother’s Day as we know it traces back to 1908 when a woman named Anna Jarvis held a memorial service to honor her late mother. Anna handed out white carnations- her mother’s favorite flower and a symbol of pure love- to the memorial goers. Anna campaigned for a national observance day for mothers. Finally, in 1914, President Woodrow Wilson signed it into law to occur as a national holiday on the second Sunday of May.

After her tiring campaign, Jarvis spent the rest of her life trying to undo it. Once the greeting card companies and florists got involved, she felt the whole spirit of the day had been commercialized. She argued a handwritten note meant far more than anything you could buy. Anna passed, spending every last drop of her savings fighting the very holiday she created. 

Over a century later, the tension between heartfelt and commercialization is still very alive…but so is the love behind it. 

Not everyone celebrates moms the same way, and some global traditions put the grocery store flowers and cards to shame. In Mexico, May 10 is always Mother’s Day, regardless of what day of the week it falls on. Families serenade moms with Las Mañanitas before the food even hits the table. In Japan, red carnations are the traditional gift as they are a symbol of love and gratitude. In Ethiopia, there are commonly two separate times in a year where mothers are celebrated, in the early fall during Antrosht and again on the second Sunday of May. The celebrations stretch across multiple days and also include singing, dancing, and communal feasting. In Italy, the tradition is simple: moms get the day off from everything. And in the UK, Mothering Sunday dates back to the Middle Ages, when workers would return home to their mothers bearing a Simnel cake, a tradition that still holds. 

In case you didn’t know, every Mother’s Day also comes with a theme. This year is “The Great Unburdening”. This theme showcases the value and workload pressure mothers have. 

So reader, if you have the opportunity to be with your mom on this very special day…do her a favour and show her how much you appreciate her hard work!

If you don’t know how to help relieve some of her stress, here are some common things to do.

Brunch

The most beloved Mother’s Day tradition isn’t going anywhere. Restaurants everywhere pull out all the stops, extended hours, fixed menus, and complimentary mimosas. It’s perfect for the moms who’d rather have someone else do the dishes. 

Plant sales and gardening

For the mom who loves a good houseplant, botanical gardens and local nurseries run Mother’s Day sales for this special occasion. Plants and seasonal flowers are the gifts that keep on growing. 

Wellness experiences

Spa days, guided movement classes, and sauna sessions: the perfect gifts for moms who wouldn’t book the experience for themselves. 

Creative workshops

Paint and sip, pottery sessions, and floral arranging have become popular ways to celebrate because they give moms and their families something to make and do together. 

Probably the most realistic expectation: solo quiet time 

For many moms, the dream may not be a brunch or spa trip. It’s an empty house, a hot cup of something, and nobody asking where anything is. The greatest gift could be to get out of the way and let her have the day to herself. 

But remember: sometimes the most meaningful celebrations don’t have to cost a thing. 

Beyond the flowers and brunches, this year has seen and will see real movement on policies that affect mothers on a day-to-day basis. 

In the U.S., there has been a state-level push for paid family leave. Virginia enacted a mandatory Paid Family and Medical Leave program in April after two previous vetoes. Colorado has expanded its existing law to provide 12 weeks of paid leave, specifically for newborns who require neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) care. Minnesota and Delaware were part of the launch of new programs at the start of the year that allow employees to receive partial pay during leave for family caregiving. Additionally, Washington state strengthened job protection rights for parents returning from leave. (Summary Paid Family Leave Resources)  

Even more globally, Singapore rolled out a new shared parental leave scheme that brings total aid leave for 30 weeks. The UK made parental leave a “day one right” under its new Employment Rights Act. Now, new employees in the UK no longer have to earn their way to having family benefits. Australia increased its parental leave to 26 weeks, effective July. Spain has also extended paternity leave to 19 weeks, equal to maternity leave. But numbers and legislation can only say so much. Here’s what it looks like up close. Here are the women who shaped us. 

From our team

We asked our writers to share photos of the women who raised them.

“Happy Mother’s Day, Mama! I’ll keep this message short because I’m probably sitting next to you while you read this. I couldn’t have asked for a better person to be a mini version of. You’ve shown me that life isn’t always easy and how to lean on my support system, even when I’m too proud to. Mother’s Days aren’t our family’s forte, but we give it our best shot every year. Loof you!”

• Emily DeRose

“Today, I wanted to share how grateful I am to be surrounded by two remarkable women.

First, Mom, thank you for all the love you've given me, for my upbringing, and for the values ​​you've instilled in me. You've always been a true anchor in my life, a reassuring presence, and a strength I can rely on. Thank you also for giving me a wonderful little sister, Domitille. I love you more than anything. 

Then, I'm thinking of my dear mother-in-law, Aurore Degré. Thank you for the inspiring example you set every day. I deeply admire your career as a renowned hydrologist, as well as your strength and your ability to move forward with determination in the face of adversity.

I wish you both a wonderful Mother's Day, filled with love, joy, and tenderness ❤️” 

• Clémence Meallonnier 

“I would have never been this resilient if, growing up, I hadn't been watching my mom. When everyone else had already let go or given up, she's the one searching for solutions, finding another way forward, and fighting until the end. I wish this level of perseverance to all women out there!”

• Kai Szczembara

“A few years ago, I had the realisation that the person I was, and still am, striving to become is someone like my mum. She is a kind, independent, and headstrong woman who will never take no for an answer and never lets anyone walk over her. She always puts us first and makes sure that we are safe, happy, and well taken care of. I am so grateful to have grown up with such a wonderful mother and hope that one day I can be half the woman she is. Happy Mother’s Day, Maman! Je t’aime.” 

• Bertille Beckmann

“Feliz dia, mamãe! ❤️” 

• Isabele Greiner 

“There’s only two things in this world that are certain to me: change, in that the clock will forever continue to tick and time will forever move; and my mom, in that she is the strongest and most beautiful woman in the world. She has breathed love and kindness into every step she’s taken and has led with a fierce heart. I am, and will always be, in utter awe of the person she is—the person I strive to be. In every moment, in every decision, in every sadness, and in every happiness, I think of her. The sun could disappear, the trees could fall away, the world could become a shadow of dread, but if she is by my side, I am okay. Happy Mother’s Day to you, Mama.” 

• Lara Vienings

“We don’t speak very often, even though I know she’d love to.

Between rare visits, many attempts to bridge the distance, mostly by her, and that’s on me.

But despite our differences, I know this to be true:

In times of need, she will be there. She will never stop listening, worrying, and cheering me on across space and time. 

And I admire her strength to start over again, her unwavering kindness, and dedication to the ones she loves. 

From when I was a little girl until today, I am immensely grateful for all she’s done and continues to do to be the mum I need throughout different seasons of life. 

Thank you for being my mum.”

• Carolina Scheuch 

“Happy Mother’s Day to the most loving and inspiring mum I could ask for <3

I’m so proud of you for rediscovering your passion for painting and for having the courage to start creating again. It is amazing to see how much joy it brings you and how beautifully your creativity shines through in every piece you make. Your latest painting, Liefkozend (Caress), of you holding me in the woods, is incredibly special to me and captures our bond beautifully.

Thank you for always being there for me with your love, support, and endless encouragement. You are one of the strongest, kindest, and most talented people I know, and I feel incredibly lucky to be your daughter.

I love you and hope you have a wonderful Mother’s Day! Xoxo”

• Nuria van Golde

  
  

“Growing up, and above all, far away, is a very challenging experience. But if you weren’t there to give me the confidence and love you’ve always given me, that would have been completely impossible. I admire your determination to keep moving forward, even if it means putting your loved ones' well-being before your own. I love you for your joy and your ever-present smile! 

Joyeuse fête des mères, maman!”

• Augustin Forjonel--Legrand 

• Raquel Ureña

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To every mom, auntie, stepmom, grandmother, and maternal figure out there: thank you. Everything you do, seen or unseen, holds everything together. We hope today gives you a fraction of what you deserve. 

And if you haven’t yet: call your mom.