She may not be as resourceful, dexterous, strong or famous as Helen Parr, also known as Elastigirl in the cartoon movie “The Incredibles.” Still 9-year-old Jake Barry believes his mom, Lisa, is the original “Super Mom.”
She may not be as resourceful, dexterous, strong or famous as Helen Parr, also known as Elastigirl in the cartoon movie “The Incredibles.” Still 9-year-old Jake Barry believes his mom, Lisa, is the original “Super Mom.”
While Lisa isn’t tasked with the seemingly impossible mission of saving the world on a whim, she is in charge of raising him — something the Holualoa Elementary School fourth-grader said she’s “really good at.” Among the amazing feats Jake attributed to his mom Tuesday were encouraging and challenging him to do better in school; helping him get past lower-level books and sparking his enjoyment for reading; always knowing the right things to say at the right time — “It’s important.”; and being great at basketball — “She knows how to steal the ball and make shots, well, almost every time.”
“My mom is super, and I love her,” Jake said. “Everyone’s mom is different and special. That’s why we have to celebrate moms and all the things they do to help make us better. That’s what Mother’s Day is for, but you should really do it everyday. For those who forget, a mom probably created the day to help you remember so make a card or a meal like breakfast or dinner.”
Today is Mother’s Day. In celebration of the national event, Holualoa Elementary fourth-graders in Adrianne Hale’s class shared Tuesday what makes their mom so special, their ways of showing affection and appreciation, as well as their guesses about the holiday’s origins and what moms really want.
The students revealed how these women are their best friends, teachers, protectors, role models, mediators, healers and even bedroom inspectors. Many were thankful for the life, joy, love, influence, nurturing and protection their mom brings. None knew who exactly created the holiday, but their interesting conjectures included George Washington, one mother or lots of them, greeting card companies and the president’s official holidaymaker, who is in charge of a giant calendar.
However, the driving force behind Mother’s Day was Anna Jarvis, although she was never married nor had any children. She was inspired by her mother, who had the desire that someday all mothers would be recognized and celebrated. Jarvis organized observances in Grafton, Va., and Philadelphia on May 10, 1908. As the annual celebration became popular around the country, Jarvis asked Congress to set aside a day to honor mothers. She finally succeeded in 1914, when Congress designated the second Sunday in May as Mother’s Day, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
When 10-year-old Ronan Mallen moved to Hawaii Island from the Philippines, he was nervous about going to his new school. However, his mother, May, was “always supportive and reassuring.”
“She told me to stay positive, not give up, try my best at school, not be shy and make new friends,” Ronan said. “She encouraged me to be myself and share who I am with others. She believed in me and was right. No other mom compares to my mom. She’s great.”
Ronan thinks Mother’s Day is important because “moms give lots of love and support to their kids, and kids should do the same for their moms to show how much they mean to them.” To show his appreciation, Ronan planned to give her a homemade present, help clean the house and do dishes. What he thinks most mothers, including his, want are “kids that aren’t naughty” and “something from the heart.”
Ten-year-old Lucia Gooding loves her mom, Myrna, because of “her big heart.” She said Myrna always cares about her and others, listens and helps solve problems, and gives her the confidence she needs to know she can do anything. However, Myrna’s top talents, Lucia said, are telling jokes and making the best adobo.
Nice is how 10-year-old Aukai Pilago would describe his mom, Phae. He said she’s nice to him and his sister, as well as is nice for supporting him at soccer and his dreams.
“I appreciate her because she makes me a better person,” he said.
What 9-year-old Sydney Sholz likes most about her mom, Heather, is her ability to always make her feel better whenever she’s hurt. If Sydney has a scrape, Heather does the icing and bandaging. If she’s sad or in doubt, Heather makes her smile, as well as reassures and supports her.
“I love her for so many reasons,” Sydney said.
Usually for Mother’s Day, Sydney tries to do something extra special and unexpected for her mom. One year, she made her favorite pancake breakfast. Another time, she borrowed a couple dollars from her dad and bought her a simple gift.
“The most important thing about Mother’s Day is for all the kids, husbands and mothers to be together as a family,” she said. “That’s what really matters and what moms want.”