This weekend is Mother’s Day, a holiday to honor mothers for their roles in creating, sustaining, and nurturing life. Motherhood is messy, chaotic, loving, protective, nurturing, and filled with responsibilities that are mostly invisible. We all know that a mother’s work is priceless – their love, emotional support, motivation, and hugs are infinitely worth everything. Then there’s the latest financial value attached to a mother’s tangible activities. In 2025, $140,315 annually (https://www.mother.ly/news/unpaid-work-of-moms/) was the estimate for routine responsibilities. I want to say right now to all mothers: you don’t need to be perfect, you are valued and you deserve recognition. Take the day off!
There is also another mother whose work often goes unnoticed. We also need to take time to respect and recognize the ultimate mother – Mother Earth. Like mothers, she’s there—feeding us, sheltering us, and absorbing the consequences of our choices.
The earth supports systems that create our food, clean air, clean water and recycles our waste. This happens quietly and efficiently and, like human mothers, continues to support life on earth even when neglected. Our Mother Earth is navigating climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. In short, her health is in danger, and we are continuing to take her for granted. The Planetary Health Alliance reports that atmospheric carbon dioxide levels are rising at a record pace, with the current levels having increased immensely since the 1950s. We’re already seeing the consequences. 2024 was Earth's warmest year on record, and 2023 was the warmest one for oceans. Biodiversity is declining and pollinators are disappearing. For us, this isn’t abstract, it shapes how we live. The decline of pollinators is the reason our farm has almost three acres of dedicated pollinator plants. These plants provide a home for beneficial insects that support the production of food and other plants, helping to keep our Earth healthy.
In our family, Mother’s Day seems unconsciously connected to nature – gifts are usually flowering plants, although I’d be just as honored to receive a tomato plant. I like the connection of nature to my special day. It seems right to include a reflection of the Earth in our celebrations. However, since recognition of any mother should include something that she likes or wants, whatever that may be, I suggest that in recognition of Mother Earth, families find a fun and creative way to do something healthy for the environment separately. Plant a pollinator flower, pick up some trash, purchase a birdhouse or bat house if you have the space, consider not spraying chemicals on the lawn, and family members, please take the time to teach kids the value of the Earth and why we need to care for her.
In closing, I’d like to invite you to celebrate all mothers in a way that recognizes and respects their contributions to our lives. If we want to honor Mother Earth, the gesture doesn’t need to be grand—it just needs to be intentional. This Mother’s Day, say thank you not just with words, but with choices—choices that honor the mothers who raised us and the one that sustains us all.
