Ask anyone and they will tell you that they have no real idea what this Mother’s Day will be like. Why? Well if you have small kids, you might be used to them bringing home gifts or artwork they made at school with their teachers. If your kids are older, may have expected breakfast in bed or maybe your church typically has a special service where all mothers are honored, even the ones that have all gone on to their final resting place. Or maybe, you normally receive beautiful flowers.
We are all trying to find ways to make the mothers in our lives feel special, especially this year. Personally, I believe this is the year that you should purchase the one thing your mother has always wanted because so many are going into this Mother’s Day without their mothers at their side. Although, material things are not major this year. A pulse is major. Being there for others who have lost their mothers this year is major! Especially if they lost their mother to COVID-19. You may wonder why COVID-19 makes it different. It makes it different because no one in January would have thought we would be dealing with this in May. No one thought we would be trying to find ways to celebrate mom while having to social distance. In lieu of all this, I wanted to highlight the things we can do, the things that are in our control, and the way that we can honor mothers during this pandemic in an original Rowan County way.
Arts and Crafts Just for Mom
First, let’s address how kids usually create little crafts or gifts with their teachers. I reached out to Mrs. Lisa Eagle who is a second-grade teacher at Mt. Ulla Elementary to see what is different. When asked what she saw as a challenge this year compared to other years, she said, “It is much more difficult to do a hands-on activity with my students. Normally I would help my students create a craft for their mother. This year I had to think outside of the box. I did not have my students create a craft because I was not sure of the all the materials they might have had at home. So, I thought they could create a digital booklet for their mother to pretend they are surprised. They filled out the booklet and added pictures and their memories of their mother.”
Lisa also stated that teachers could create a video to teach their students how to make a craft for their mother using materials from the house. They could make a craft with you, and that would mean as much to me as if they made it in class. “I feel that spending time with your children is probably the most important thing. I feel this as a mom and as a teacher,” said Lisa.
Shop Local for Mom
Local businesses have kicked into gear, and most offer some type of delivery or curbside service for Mother’s Day. You can always order an edible arrangement for your mom too! Morgan Ridge Vineyards is offering a prepared meal that you can take out into the vineyard and have a special picnic with your mom while enjoying Rowan County’s beautiful country landscape. Because of the size of the vineyard, you can still practice safe social distancing.
With state parks opening this weekend, many will find ways to have time with mom in nature. Go for a walk, hike, or even a picnic at one of our many parks in Rowan County!
Yummy strawberries are always a good gift! Take mom to the Patterson Farm Market & Tours Strawberry Drive-Thru! It’s a great way to spend some quality time with mom all while enjoying breathtaking Rowan County scenery. You can visit the farm on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. or Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
If you want to continue staying indoors, Lee Street Theatre has a night planned for you! The whole family can tune into a Facebook Live of “Motherhood OUT LOUD.” This joyous, moving, yet hilarious theatrical event will most definitely put a smile on mom’s face. This is a great way to spend some quality time with mom and enjoy a good laugh! Join them live this Saturday, May 9 at 7 p.m. Virtual doors open at 6:30 p.m.
Krispy Kreme gives you the ability to order donuts for your mom and have them delivered through Door Dash. Most restaurants in the area use Door Dash and Chow Now is a great option too for order ahead and pickup yoruself. You can download their apps onto your phone and see the different restaurants and their menus to order from. You can even order ice cream! Yes, ice cream!
So, if you are thinking of ways to enjoy a meal, you can order food for both you and mom.
I reached out to DJ’s Restaurant to see what they would be providing this Mother’s Day. They are offering family-sized entrees. You can order chicken alfredo, baked ziti, or your choice of spaghetti with a salad and rolls for only $35, or add a gallon of tea for $40. Family Meal deals feed four to six people. They are also offering FREE delivery within a five-mile radius of the restaurant’s location. No minimum order for delivery is required. DJ’s hours are from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. for takeout or delivery. You can order online at www.djsresturant.com or you can call 704-638-9647. Once your order arrives, you can have a FaceTime meal! The other option is to have a picnic in your mom’s yard, weather permitting. With this, you are still practicing social distancing and being outside, rather in the house.
As a fashion designer, I, of course, have some things up my sleeves for my mom. Since we are mostly making facial masks, you could even get creative and have a matching skirt made for your mom to wear with her masks. Many will be relying on their circuit makers for some special projects. I love my circuit maker when I want to personalize something and make it extra special. You can pick up supplies at our local Michael’s by ordering online or going into the store. Nothing says “I love you mom” more than a unique project made by hand and with love. YouTube is full of ideas! Here is a link to see some different designs you can create that are not too pricey!
Don’t forget about all of our local small boutiques and gift stores like Caniche and Stitchin’ Post Gifts in charming historic Downtown Salisbury. There are so many amazing gift shops in Rowan County to choose from!
It is my hope that each of you have a wonderful Mother’s Day weekend! Enjoy each other and reach out to someone who may have lost their mom. You may never know how your special gesture will help them this year.