This Sunday, we’ll buy the cards, the flowers, and maybe the last box of chocolates on the shelf. We’ll crowd into restaurants after church, make phone calls, and send text messages that say, “Love you, Mom.” But Mother’s Day is about far more than a nice meal and a bouquet. It’s a reminder of something communities often depend on, but rarely name out loud: the quiet, steady power of mothers. When we talk about what makes a strong town, we usually point to jobs, schools, churches, and local businesses. We talk about roads that get us where we need to go and leaders who make decisions that affect our daily lives. But look a little closer and you’ll see something else holding it all together: mothers who get up early, stay up late, and stand in the gaps no one else even sees. You see a mom who works a busy day, then stays up late to help with homework. Or maybe you see the grandmother who thought her child-rearing days were behind her, but stepped right back into the role because a grandchild needed a safe place to land. Then there’s the single mom, juggling two jobs, a car that doesn’t always start and a calendar that never gives her a day off. But her kids are always put first, whatever it takes. We measure prosperity in dollars and development, but the truth is, a community is only as strong as the families that live in it and families are often only as strong as the mothers (and mother-figures) who quietly hold them together. My life has been blessed with incredible, nurturing moms! My mom was definitely the quiet one. She knew what to say, but often also knew when to say nothing at all, but just offer a hug. As the youngest of 5 kids, I was also spoiled by two older sisters that were always there for me. My dad passed away in my early 20’s and my mom in my late 30’s, but Kay and Marianne made sure that my kids always had “bonus moms,” not just aunts. Their motherly DNA was strong because of my mom and my grandmother. I married my best friend and she is much like my mom. She doesn’t want to be in the limelight, but is always there when our kids need her. Her life has been dedicated to being an dedicated mom, often sacrificing career jobs so that she can be available when needed. Her best trait is knowing when she is needed, before our kids do. Being a loving mother is definitely her Superpower! So.. Thank you Patty Cowan, Kay Allen and Marianne Eaton! Thank you Dawn Cowan. Thank you to all the moms out there that will enjoy a special day this Sunday. Thank you for all the prayers whispered, the tears wiped away, and the battles fought for your families. Thank you for building homes and in doing so building communities. As Mother’s Day approaches, let’s do more than just sign a card. Let’s look the mothers in our lives in the eye and tell them what their sacrifices have meant. Let’s support the moms around us in real, practical ways: offering a meal, a ride, some childcare, a listening ear, or just a genuine, “I see how hard you’re working.” To all the mothers and mother-figures in our area: you are seen, you are valued, and you are essential to #TheGoodStuff happening here every single day. Happy Mother’s Day!