If you’re like me and don’t live near your mom, you’ll have to call her to wish her a “Happy Mother’s Day.”

Did you know no other day sees as many calls as Mother’s Day? Last year, the number of calls on just this one day was about 122 million. I wonder what the breakdown is of regular phone calls versus video calls? Isn’t it wonderful that people today can “see” their mothers, even if they’re not with them?

Shopping

Of course, celebrating our moms in today’s world usually means buying them something. The most obvious and popular gifts are cards and flowers, but other things, like gift certificates, jewelry, and special dinners at restaurants, are also popular.

In 2017, Mother’s Day spending in the U.S. reached $23.6 billion. By 2020, that figure had jumped to $26 billion, according to the National Retail Federation.

Did you know when it comes to buying flowers and plants, only the Christmas and Hanukkah holidays sell more? Did you know of all the flowers bought in a year, roughly twenty-five percent are purchased for Mother’s Day? Did you know a red flower represents a mother still living, while a white flower represents a mom who’s passed on?

Did you know a restaurant’s busiest day of the year is Mother’s Day?

Did you know a greeting card is the most popular—and affordable—Mother’s Day gift? (Although, if you’ve priced greeting cards recently, you know they’re not exactly cheap.) And if you’re wondering how many Mother’s Day cards are sent. Try around 152 million.

Bottom Line

No matter how you choose to celebrate today, the who you’re celebrating is what’s important.

I know I’m fortunate. My mother is still living and is in good health. She’s my mom, but she’s also my best friend. Over the years, we’ve rummaged for unexpected treasures at garage sales, explored country roads, and played practical jokes on family and friends. (Believe it or not, she’s as big a prankster as Dad. She’s just sneakier.)

She’s always been there to cheer me on in whatever I do. She’s been especially supportive of my writing, acting as a sounding board, reader, and editor.

The impact she’s had—and continues to have—on all aspects of my life is too great for words, even for a writer.

So I’ll just say: God blessed me when he gave me to her. Thank you, Mom, for being the most wonderful mother a girl could have.

Happy Mother’s Day, Mom. I love you.