Tina Cane – Poet Laureate of Rhode Island

Our tradition is simple: We like to go out for a lunch or dinner outside on the water some-where. My three children and my husband usually give me flowers and homemade gifts.
Describe your favorite Mother’s Day
I don’t have a particular favorite, but the other day we were all just remembering when my youngest son, Titian, was in pre-school and he came home with a necklace he had made to give me on Mother’s Day. When he put his backpack away that day, he whispered, “I have a secret present for you, but don’t tell anyone.”
“Okay,” I said, “I won’t say a word.” When Mother’s Day rolled around, Titian’s eyes began to water up, as he watched the rest of our family give me cards and gifts. “What’s wrong, honey?” I asked. He came over and whispered in my ear, “I don’t have a gift for you.” “Go look in your backpack,”I suggested. Titian returned from the coat closet beaming and triumphantly holding a string of wooden beads. It was as if we had both received a gift. Lends new meaning to “give without remembering.”

Gina M. Raimondo – Governor of Rhode Island

We usually all go to my sister’s house for dinner – my brother and sister and all of our kids all come together to make dinner for Grandma. It’s always a nice excuse to spend time together.
Describe your favorite Mother’s Day
My kids (Tommy and Ceci) brought me breakfast in bed last year – that was a great surprise! They picked flowers from the backyard. I don’t even remember exactly what they made, but it’s not about the food. I love that they took the time to do something thoughtful for me.

Vinnie Paz – 5x World Champion Boxer

His fav memory is his mom, period! He talks about her all the time… his special moments with her are her taking care of him, her food, her funny sense of humor and her toughness. He knows he got some from her! With NO traditions, he will always love and honor her by sharing funny stories of her with many.

Allan Fung – Mayor of Cranston

Here is a photo of me and my mom, Tan Ping Fung, doing the mother/son dance at my wedding last June.
“In the Chinese culture, we have a great deal of respect for our parents and treat every day as our Mother’s Day. During the American day of celebration, my mom enjoys going out to one of her favorite restaurants in Cranston – either Marchetti’s or King’s Garden. Everything in the Chinese culture revolves around food, so as long as our family is together having a great meal, the day is a big success.”
When my children were small, each side of the family came together for a Mother’s Day brunch. Often, it meant running around to “get to” everyone, and became much more enjoyable to stay home with my kids and enjoy the day.

Emily Olson – Motif Editor

Every Mother’s Day, my husband packs a picnic and we head to Beavertail Lighthouse in Jamestown. He always tucks a new book for me into the picnic basket and I get to read all afternoon while he wrestles with our boys on the grass.

Jessica Kendall Hauk – Motif Contributor

For me, the best part of Mother’s Day is simply regarding my daughter being herself. We named her Rose, not because it is a family name but because it suited her and I had read that we all become our names. So, every Mother’s Day, I watch my Rose bloom. Even though she is now nine years old, I never get tired of it. I always take some extra time on Mother’s Day to cherish her. She has a kind and brave heart, as well as a sweet spirit. On Mother’s Day, I live in the moment and love my girl, and I often find myself in awe of the human life cycle on this special day. Love creates human beings, after all. And the love we mothers have for our children is so great that it prompted author Elizabeth Stone to write, “Making the decision to have a child – it’s momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body.” On Mother’s Day, I watch my heart go walking around, and I feel grateful for having given it away.

Lori Guittari – Motif Contributor, Life Coach

As a coach, I am always aware of how we (and the advertising industry!) create high expectations around particular holidays, and Mother’s Day is no different. So I am always sure to check in on my own expectations and be sure I am spending the day with what is important to me, which is hanging out with my kids!! I love nothing more than being with them and although they are grown now, it has never changed – they’re just too cool!

Rick Laprade – Motif Contributor

Every Mother’s Day I post the Tupac video “Dear Mama” on my mom’s Facebook wall. She finally asked why, and assured me she never smoked crack. I now post Mother by Danzig.

Katie Lewis – Motif DARE ME Columnist

My mother works unbelievably hard all year round to make each holiday incredibly special for they entire family, always amazing us with themed banquets and creative projects and games. The biggest holiday in the Lewis house is Halloween, It seems as though she always manages to outdo herself from the year before, from witches brew cocktails that emit smoke to scary faces assembled in the meatloaf. One of our traditions around that time is a game called, “Wrap your mummy,” where kids race to see who can wrap their mom in toilet paper the fastest and make her look like a mummy. I am so thankful to have a mother who is so thoughtful, creative and festive. She has been a wonderful role model and has taught me how important family values and traditions are. It only makes sense that we have a special holiday each year just for her! Happy Mother’s Day!!!!!