Mother’s Day: Wings to fly
By Catherine A. Doherty
“Your arms were always open when I needed a hug. Your heart understood when I needed a friend. Your strength and love have guided me and gave me wings to fl y.”
A Mother’s Love by Sarah Malin
According to legend, the earliest Mother’s Day celebrations can be traced back to England, where in the 1600s Mothering Sunday was held on the fourth Sunday of Lent as a way to honor all mothers. Elder Services’ Information and Referral Specialist (I & R) Sim Gaunt, and her daughter, Elder Services Health Services Manager Anne Marie Cripps, relish the Mother’s Day sentiment, and will be celebrating May 14 with one of “Sim’s legendary Sunday dinners.”
Both Gaunt and Cripps enjoy working at Elder Services helping seniors live with dignity and independence. Gaunt remembers fondly her early days at Elder Services over 25 years ago. “My first job was delivering meals to 18 seniors. I loved being a part of getting hot, nutritious meals to folks who were so grateful. I have seen so many wonderful changes since then: getting our own kitchen, the increase in numbers of seniors helped, and the diversity of services we now offer. I have never taken for granted the work this agency does and my role in it. Elder Services is a part of our family—my children grew up in this agency and it has been with us through the good, the bad, and the sad times. I am so happy that Anne Marie has this opportunity to help seniors get another chance. It is the best Mother’s Day gift any Mom could receive. All mothers want to see their children grow wings and fly; and Anne Marie is getting her chance by being part of a compassionate community.”
Cripps adds, “Our family, and in particular my mom, is the main reason I am at Elder Services. One of my most vivid memories as a little girl was going with my mom to deliver Meal on Wheels to seniors in isolated locations. I can still see the seniors’ faces light up when they saw my mom. She knew when the slightest thing was amiss and made sure that help would come. It was then that I knew that I wanted to go into human services. You can’t buy that kind of education - it has shaped my entire life - both personally and professionally.”
Mother and daughter are making sure that the legacy of love for seniors is being passed on to the next generation. Cripps’ 12 year old son, Christopher, has grown up knowing that helping others is not just lip service; it is a way of life.
“Christopher has always been a part of Elder Services’ special events. He has walked miles in the annual Memory Walk with his grandmother Sim and has helped build several Fourth of July floats and even participated in one parade, allowing him to get to know many Elder Services’ staff. He loves them, and they love him. It is comforting to be part this social network. I grew in it and my mom and I am so lucky to be able to give this legacy to Christopher. He is only 12 — going on 13 — but already understands Elder Services’ mission to help others.”
Both Gaunt and Cripps are thankful for their shared cherished memories. Gaunt smiles, “Anne Marie and I both love Mother’s Day, because we will do something special, but we don’t need a special day. All our days are special, but the best days occur when we come home, knowing that at least one lonely, frail senior has been helped.”
A final thought with sensitivity for the many emotions Mother’s Day may evoke — we hope our readers receive and share kind words and find comfort in warm memories.
Happy Mother’s Day!
Catherine A. Doherty is Elder Services' Planner and Senior Community Service Employment Program Supervisor.
