Mother’s Day is a source of stress for me.
It’s my own fault. I’ll admit that.
I messed up Mother’s Day big time one year, and I’ve tried to make up for it ever since.
I should be clear. I didn’t ruin Mother’s Day for my own mom. I ruined it for my wife, and it’s been difficult and stressful to make it up to her.
I’m honestly not very good with special days like birthdays or Valentine’s Day. I used to be so good on those days, but I’ve let life, kids and a lack of funds sometimes hinder my creativity to make a day truly special.
That wasn’t going to happen this year.
I texted my kids nearly a month ago saying, “We can’t screw up Mother’s Day this year. Who has some ideas?”
Honestly, a few of them had some good ideas. For the most part, they all played a part in making the day special for their mother.
My main role was to write something for Andrea. I’ve written a lot for her over the years, but I came up with a fresh idea. This piece would be a news story to proclaim her as Best. Mom. Ever.
Each child gave me quotes saying what makes their mom special to them, and I pieced it together. I’m happy to say that Andrea really enjoyed it, and I think the writing piece combined with our other efforts made for a memorable day that truly did make her feel special.
Here’s what I wrote:
Andrea Phillips, a Walker County native and current Jasper resident, has been named “Best. Mom. Ever.” by members of her family.
Each family member gave reasons for her award.
“I’ve known she would be the best mother since we started dating in high school,” said James Phillips, her husband. “She’s an unselfish person, and that’s a major quality for a great mom. She puts her children first, even at times when she needs to think about herself first. She’s loving and caring. I could talk about her positive qualities for days.”
Stone Phillips, her 20-year-old son, gave several reasons his mom is better than any other.
“She loves her family and keeps in touch with them,” he said. “We have the same sense of humor. She still loved me even when I was a super annoying teenager. She loves Netflix.”
Breeze Phillips, 18, gave her mother full credit for the young lady she has become.
“Everything I am is what you helped me to be,” she said.
Daisy Phillips, 15, said her mother has always encouraged her to reach for the stars.
“I love that my mom pushes me to be the best I can be,” she said.
Joy Phillips, 11, said her mother is always there when she needs her, whether it’s a good time or a bad time.
“I love mom because shes always helps me whenever I’m down,” she said.
Zuzu, 5, had the most honest description of her mother after saying, “I love mom so much”
“I love mom, because she is beautiful and squishy,” Zuzu added.
James Phillips said it was finally time the family recognized Andrea for the person she is and what she means to her family.
“Andrea has always sacrificed for her family,” he said. “She loves her children until it hurts. She shows them her love in so many different ways. I admit that I can be like a sixth child sometimes, and she always takes care of me too. Moms should be loving, caring, compassionate, kind and understanding. Andrea checks all those boxes and so many more. We love her more than we can adequately say.”
