Create lasting keepsakes for Mother's Day

StatePoint Media-- In today’s world, intimacy can sometimes be sacrificed for immediacy. We often send texts or emails to family and friends rather than hand writing letters, cards or notes.

However, handwritten notes are a beautiful way to capture meaningful moments and create something tangible that goes beyond the digital. In the past, writing by hand was an integral part of daily life -- letters were written to soldiers overseas, travel journals and diaries were kept, and cards were sent to celebrate birthdays. Today, we have to be much more intentional about crafting these handmade mementos.

This year for Mother’s Day, get inspired by the art of handwritten communication and celebrate Mom with one of these lasting keepsakes:

• Tap into Nostalgia: Does your mom still have your kindergarten macaroni art or hand-drawn valentines lovingly tucked away in a drawer? Take her for a sweet trip down memory lane by compiling a scrapbook or memory box of your childhood masterpieces. Make sure to include a handwritten note from the present day for a heartfelt finishing touch.

• Feed Mom’s Soul: Preparing food and sharing meals is one of the most common ways families connect. If your mom has a collection of handwritten recipe cards, consider binding them into a cookbook, complete with a title page inscription from her favorite kitchen helper (you!). Not only will it make her feel like an accomplished chef, it’ll preserve these treasured treats for the next generation of kids and grandkids to enjoy.

• Capture the Everyday: The first step to preserving treasured memories is to record them. Gift your mom some stunning stationery, a sturdy leather-bound journal or even high-quality card stock and encourage her to do some writing of her own. Journaling is proven to be an effective tool for relaxation and self-reflection. For moms who give so much of themselves to their families, a lovely journal might be a welcome invitation to spend some much-needed time with herself. Pair your gift with a smooth-writing, long-lasting gel ink pen, like the G2 from Pilot, to ensure Mom’s words flow as effortlessly as her love.

• Give Mom the Ultimate Upgrade: Complete Mom’s gift and make sure she’s ready for any writing task with a Decimo fountain pen. The slimmer barreled cousin to Pilot’s classic Vanishing Point fountain pen features a unique, retractable design and a rhodium plated 18K gold writing nib that is as durable as it is sophisticated.

However you celebrate Mom this year, be sure to skip the e-card and handwrite something from the heart, instead.

By embracing the art of the written word, you can create lifelong memories and treasured heirlooms this Mother’s Day.

Pix & Six | 6 questions with Unity's Tyler Hensch

While the girls' softball team was wrapping up their non-conference win over visiting Westville a week ago this past Tuesday, the Sentinel caught up with three-sport Rocket athlete Tyler Hensch. The junior, who also plays football and basketball, was on the mound for his team's opening game against Hoopeston Area. He pitched five innings for Unity, giving up one hit and one run while striking out seven batters.

We fired six random questions at him and here's how he responded.

Sentinel: What is your dream job?
Hensch: A pilot for the Navy.

Sentinel: Name three people you would spend a month long vacation with?
Hensch: Mariano Rivera, Jeff Bezos, and Derek Jeter.

Sentinel: What movie or TV show best describes your life right now?
Hensch: Friends.

Sentinel: Name one thing you learned about yourself during the pandemic?
Hensch: "Work ethic is everything".

Sentinel: You just inherited a million dollars. What would you would buy first?
Hensch: I would buy a sports car - a Ford GT350.

Sentinel: Name your favorite place to eat?
Hensch: Chick-fil-A.

Above: Putting wood on leather, Tyler Hensch puts the ball in play for the Rockets during the team's first home game of the season on their new turf field. At the top: Hensch hurls a pitch against Hoopeston Area during the second inning. (Photos: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks)

Celebrate Mother's Day and the memories now and in the future

by Glenn Mollette, Guest Commentator

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Plan your telephone call to say hello to mom this Sunday. Better yet, if possible, make a visit with a card or even some flowers or maybe some brownies or a special treat.

Moms deserve to be treated special. Take her out to lunch or dinner if possible. It doesn’t have to be Sunday, maybe Saturday would work better. Tell mom what she means to you. Let her know that you love her and that you give thanks for all she has done for you. Let her know she was a good mother and that you are grateful for everything. Moms need to hear it and you’ll be glad for everything you do for your mother.

However, you may not be so fortunate.

My mother Eula Hinkle Mollette, passed away many years ago. My son’s mother Karen Mollette passed away in 2002.

The years go by quickly. For too many, Mother’s Day can be a sad day because mom is no longer here. All you have is your many memories and too often memories are filled with mixed emotions. You remember what was wonderful but you may start thinking about all you wish you had done or could do if you had her today. If you have your mother today then celebrate in every way you can.

Sadly over 200,000 women are in prison or jail in the United States today. Eighty percent of these women have minor children. Mother's Day is a painful day for these women and their families.

Millions of children live with parents who are addicted to alcohol or drugs or both.

These children are raised in sad environments where they have had to emotionally and often even financially help their parents. Often, these daily struggles make it difficult to celebrate the "picture perfect" day that is touted by the flower and card companies. They may go to buy a Mother's Day card but just cannot find one that really expresses how they feel.

Many children have been raised in painful, abusive environments and Mother’s Day is depressing because they can’t conjure up that many good memories of mom. Many of these children want mom to be well and healthy. They want to know that they are loved by mom. Unfortunately, there are so many adults who have mothers who could never turn their lives around. They are often exhausted from trying to make "Mom and family" work.

Mother’s Day is our opportunity to try to do the right things again. Using words like, I care, love, appreciate, thank you, and any that express your heart’s desire to be connected are worthwhile expressions. When you do the best you can do, you can at least look back and know that you tried.

When Mom and our loved ones are no longer with us then all we have are our memories. If you have any time left to work on your Mother’s Day memories you won’t regret it in the years to come.

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Dr. Glenn Mollette is a syndicated American columnist and author of American Issues, Every American Has An Opinion and ten other books. He is read in all 50 states. The views expressed are those of the author and are not necessarily representative of any other group or organization.

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This article is the sole opinions of the author and does not necessarily reflect the views of The Sentinel. We welcome comments and views from our readers. Submit your letters to the editor or commentary on a current event 24/7 to editor@oursentinel.com.

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