Forget fancy jewelry or extravagant spa days – for moms, the real treasures on Mother’s Day are the heartfelt, priceless gifts from their kids that money can’t buy. Variety asked two moms to spill the beans on the most cherished and memorable Mother’s Day presents they’ve ever received.
Melani T. Wennio, Program Manager, Indigenous Affairs Office
Melani T. Wennio and her family
“For me, the absolute best Mother’s Day present wasn’t something you could wrap up. It was the precious gift of having my wonderful 75-year-old mom still with me to celebrate. As a proud mama to six kiddos myself, there’s nothing more priceless than soaking up time with your closest loved ones.
On Mother’s Day, my heart felt so full and happy seeing my dear mom’s smiling face surrounded by all of her grandchildren. Just having my beautiful bunch together under one roof was the greatest gift I could ask for! Any other treats were just delicious icing on top of my already sweet cake.
Don’t get me wrong, I like receiving thoughtful Mother’s Day surprises from my family. Whoever invented gift baskets is a genius! Loading them up with yummy snacks, luxurious bath goodies, or fresh flowers is such a touching way to make a mom feel spoiled. This year my favorites were the indulgent brunch for two my husband treated me to at our fancy hotel, and the adorable “saint” gift basket my youngest assembled, bless her heart.
But when I close my eyes and think about my most cherished Mother’s Day memory, it will always be that warm sunny day spent simply cherishing the presence of my beloved mom and incredible kids. No material gift can outshine the joy of family surrounding you with their endless love. For me, that’s a Mother’s Day present more valuable than gold.”
Patricia Camacho, Administrative Officer II, Department of Labor
Patricia Camacho
“For me, the absolute best Mother’s Day presents have been the precious lives of my children, grandchildren, and now even great-grandchildren.
I’m one blessed lady to have lived long enough to witness not one, not two, but four generations of my family blossom before my very eyes. On Mother’s Day, my heart feels like it might burst from being surrounded by all those smiling faces – from my grown kids who made me a mom, to the newest arrival who just recently made me a great-grandma.
First it was just my babies, then their babies, and now their babies’ babies too! It’s hard not to grin from ear-to-ear watching the family multiply.
While gorgeous flowers would probably earn me major grandma points, they could never match the sweet-smelling snuggles from my great-grandbabies. And no scented candle could ever top the warm fuzzies I get from hearing those precious little voices yell “Nana!” and watching their bright eyes light up with excitement. Those are the real Mother’s Day luxuries money can’t buy.
You can keep your chocolates and perfumes, my friends. This Mother’s Day, I’ll just be counting my greatest blessings – generations’ worth of happy, smiling faces to cherish forever. Now that’s the gift that never stops giving!”
