Most people think of Mother's Day as a day of celebration. But for millions of Americans, it is also a day of grief — by age 50, roughly half of Americans have lost their mother.
A holiday born from loss
Mother's Day was created by Anna Jarvis, who organized the first Mother's Day church service in 1908 — three years after her own mother's death. Jarvis started the tradition of wearing white carnations for deceased mothers and red for living ones.
How families honor mothers who are gone
Visiting the gravesite with her favorite flowers. Cooking her signature dish. Gathering family to share stories. Taking care of the grave yourself. Donating in her name. Writing her a letter.
When distance makes it harder
If Mom is buried states away, Tending can clean the headstone, place flowers, and send you a photo report before the holiday — so you know her grave looks beautiful, even if you can't be there.
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