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Dear Friend:

As you know, May is the month we celebrate and pay tribute to that all important female figure and chief caregiver in life. It's you, "Mom!"

Mother's Day is May 9th this year. But did you know that the celebration of motherhood began
in the 1870's and has been growing in popularity ever since? In fact, the estimated number of mothers in the U.S is 81.5 million. And being a mom is so popular that 81% of all women between the ages of 40 and 44 have children.

While motherhood is rewarding, it's also a  responsibility. The definition of being a mother (as a verb) is "to care for or protect like a mother; act maternally toward." So it seems being a mom is in the "doing." After "mom" brings us into this world, she changes our diapers, bakes our birthday cakes and puts a bandage on our scraped knee. She drives us to the mall, band and soccer practice and helps us choose the perfect prom dress or tuxedo. Many women are so natural at mothering, they go onto become grandmothers and great grandmothers lending their care and support to their daughters as they raise their own children.

Knowing all that a mom does, it should come as no surprise that women make up the majority of informal care providers in this country. To see what makes a good caregiver, read Derrick Merchant's article with five tips in this issue. Chances are you'll see your mom has many of these caregiver tips down pat. I've also included a poem by Pamme Boutselis entitled "Nearly 15." In this ode from a mom to her teenager, Boutselis is part Maya Angelou and part Erma Bombeck. I hope it brings a smile to your face like it did to mine.

So, here's to you, Mom for the many contributions you make to your family and society as a whole. We couldn't do it without you.

Be well and Happy Mother's Day!

Sharna Fulton, Director of Marketing
Alternative Home Care for Seniors (AHCS)

sharna.fulton@att.net

404-663-8450