Mother's Day 2024

A Rosie by any other name

Wallace Collins For the Transcript

Your recent coverage of World War II’s Rosie the Riveter stirred my memory of my own Rosie.

My mother, Lois E. Collins, was a true life Rosie the Riveter during the war.

Living in Norman with four young children, she worked at Tinker Field. Her job was working in the machine shop operating a Bridgeport Mill. At that time, Tinker Field was a main maintenance facility with the job of converting B-24 Liberator heavy bombers from a “tail dragger” — meaning that it had a tail wheel, to the better tricycle landing gears.

As I remember being told, my mother was the only one in the shop that could do the math required to figure out how to cut the spiral gears used in the landing gear conversions. This was at a time when Bridgeport mills were all manually operated, no CNC machines back then.

I remember Mother going to work, wearing a pair of blue coveralls, which I called her “war workers.” I don’t know if that was a uniform worn by all the women or if it was just the choice of mother. I suspect that it was a uniform as it gave

the women protection from dirt, grease, metal shavings and other things that would hinder their work. In addition to her “war workers” she had a “dew rag” which was a scarf rolled up and tied around the head to keep their hair out of their eyes and out of machinery. I loved those ‘’war workers’’ and wanted a pair. I remember mother bought me a pair of striped overalls just my size, I was about 3 or 4 at the time.

I was very proud to wear my very own “war workers”!

My father was away in the Army Air Corp, as the Air Force was known at the time, and we did not own a car. My mother was able to catch a ride with a neighbor who also worked at Tinker. My siblings and I had to stay across the street with a neighbor relative while mother was at work, and I could not understand why I could not go home until she returned from work. I was always looking for the other neighbor’s car bringing both of them home, so I could see my mother and go across the street to home myself.

At that young age, I did not know what mother actually did at Tinker, but I did know it was important to the war effort. I

can remember playing with play tools and imagining that I, wearing my “war workers’’, was doing important work, too!

I don’t remember any of us or mother ever using the term “Rosie the Riveter” at that time, even though I think the term had already been coined nationally. I am sure there were hundreds, maybe thousands of other women in Norman and central Oklahoma working at Tinker, all being Rosies in one capacity or another.

My mother is now deceased, dying at the young age of 59, and unfortunately I did not ask enough questions of her about her tenure at Tinker Field. I did have the opportunity to confirm her story with a man that only lived a few blocks away from my birthplace. Ironically, he was the foreman of the shop where my mother worked! As I quizzed him about her job and what she did, he confirmed the stories I had been told as a child.

I have always been proud of my mother’s work during the war, and recognized that thousands of other women across the United States did similar jobs to help win World War II. This also included the WASPs, (Women’s Airforce Ser-

“Rosie the Riveter” was an iconic poster of a female factory worker flexing her muscle, exhorting other women to join the World War II effort with the declaration that “We Can Do It!”

vice Pilots) the women that flew airplanes across the country to deliver them to needed air depots.

Without a doubt, all the Rosies and WASPs contributed greatly to the winning effort, and their contributions should never be overlooked or

County businesses offer Mother’s Day fun

If you’re looking for community events to enjoy with the mothers in your life, or you’re a mother looking to have some fun, several Cleveland County businesses are holding special Mother’s Day programming on May 11 and 12.

On Saturday at 3 p.m., Lazy Circles Brewery will hold a “Mother’s Day Out Craft Party” where attendees will build their own terrarium, complete with a succulent plant.

forgotten!

After all, when Lois “Rosie” came home from work, she still had to cook supper and care for her four children, then get ready to go to work again tomorrow! Hats off to all the Rosies across this country!!

All materials will be provided, and participants will receive guidance on how to care for their new succulents — although organizer Kim Hatcher-Creech noted the plants are low-maintenance. Tickets are $24 each, with a buy three, get one free discount. Drinks from the brewery will also be available for purchase.

The City of Norman Department of Parks and Recreation is hosting a “Mom Prom.” Mothers are encouraged to bring their child, other family, friends

National Archives

Andrea Hancock

Meanings behind popular Mother’s Day flowers

Metro Creative

Mother’s Day is a time to express love and appreciation for mothers, sentiments that are often expressed with gifts. Flowers are a popular present to bestow on Mother’s Day, as they can brighten a room and bring a sweet aroma to any household. While any flowers may ultimately suffice on Mother’s Day, gift givers may want to select flowers for Mom that convey specific messages. The language of flowers has been recognized for centuries. Though perhaps not as heralded as it once was, flower symbolism persists to this day. Here’s a look at some of the meanings behind certain types of flowers to help guide

Mother’s Day gifting.

• Amaryllis: These plants start as bulbs and are naturally spring-blooming flowers. The name comes from the Greek word “amarysso,” which means “to sparkle,” and they symbolize pride.

• Aster: These daisy-like flowers are delicate-looking perennials. Asters make great gifts because they symbolize love and daintiness.

• Begonia: There are more than 2,000 types of begonias, and the flower symbolizes deep thoughts. Begonias were made famous by French horticulturist Michel Bégon, who thought the blooms looked like beautiful girls.

• Bleeding heart: These flowers are red and pink blossoms that

look like the perfect heart shape with a teardrop at the bottom. They’re beautiful and symbolic of love and affection.

• Buttercup: These are associated with youthfulness and cheerfulness and can call to mind childhood days spent picking buttercups and holding them under chins to reveal that you like butter. The flower is known for its beauty and innocent charm.

• Camellia (white): White camellias stand for purity and innocence, but they also symbolize admiration and respect. Camellias make beautiful additions to any bouquet.

• Daisy: Daisies are happy-looking flowers, and according to Norse mythology they represent motherhood and children.

• Delphinium: Delphiniums come in pink, white and blue varieties and embody youth and renewal. They’re a good pick if you want to convey a continued or renewed affection for a person.

• Tulip: Tulips with an orange hue are thought to represent understanding and appreciation. They can express appreciation for Mom or another special person. Yellow tulips symbolize happiness, while pink tulips are symbolic of love. Red blooms should be reserved for sweethearts.

Various flowers symbolize feelings people want to express to their mothers, grandmothers and other special women on Mother’s Day.

Promote happiness for Mother’s Day

StatePoint Media

Sometimes, it’s the little things in life that can make one’s day. Use this Mother’s Day gift guide to promote happiness in your mom’s life:

Better Mornings

Coffee and tea have been scientifically proven to boost happiness. But if your mom is like many moms out there, she may get so busy taking care of others she forgets to drink her beverage before it gets cold. What if she could enjoy her coffee or tea from the first sip to the last at just the right temperature? Nextmug, a temperature-controlled, self-heating mug, stylishly maintains an individual’s beverage at their ideal

temperature — 130, 140 or 150 degrees Fahrenheit — for hours.

The stainless-steel body of the mug has an elegant ceramic matte finish in a range of gorgeous colors like burgundy, dusty rose and pistachio. At 17 ounces, the ergonomically designed body and handle will fit comfortably in her hands, making it a happiness-inducing sidekick for her days, whether they take place at home or in the workplace. And with no setting up an app, no passwords or rebooting and no security concerns it’s incredibly easy to use. To learn more, visit nextmug.com.

Endorphin Boost

Did you know that exercise is one of the best

ways to promote happiness? Not only can it be a major confidence booster, it releases endorphins that offer a post-workout bliss. However, many people new to exercise don’t know how to start working out or have questions about doing so safely. If your mom is one of those people, consider gifting her a session with a personal trainer. In one session, the trainer can assess your mom’s current level of fitness and offer her a sensible routine to do on her own. Or, if your mom is social or loves variety, consider getting her a fitness membership to a service like ClassPass. This will allow her to take various types of fitness classes so

she can see what style of workout she likes best. Happy Faces on Rotation

Sometimes all one needs to smile is a reminder of a happy memory. Upgrade your mom’s photo display game with a digital frame so she can be treated to a slideshow of loved ones anytime she wants. With a model that connects to Wi-Fi, she can easily send photos to the frame through email or via online photo collections. As a thoughtful gesture, consider pre-loading it with some of her favorite family photos.

This Mother’s Day, honor your mom with thoughtful and fun gifts that will promote her happiness.

Mental health issues that could affect new mothers

Metro Creative

Pregnancy and giving birth to a new child is a happy time in a woman’s life. However, 10 percent of pregnant women and 13 percent of women who have just given birth experience a mental disorder, says the World Health Organization. In developing countries, these percentages can be even higher.

The National Child & Maternal Health Education Program indicates pregnancy and a new baby can cause a range of emotions. Women may feel anxious or sad at various times. For many women, such feelings resolve with time. For others, these emotions may become more serious and persist.

Baby blues

The name given to a common postpartum condition can give people the impression that it is nothing to worry about. Although the “baby blues” are something new mothers may have heard about, and generally produce mild symptoms, they can still be disconcerting. This condition is marked by mood swings that are the result of fluctuating hormone levels during and immediately after childbirth. These feelings occur in up to 80 percent of new mothers, and

occur approximately three to five days after delivery, says Mental Health America. Women whose blues do not resolve when hormones level out, and, in fact, get worse with time, may not realize they have progressed to postpartum depression, which is a more serious situation that often requires medical treatment.

Postpartum depression

Johns Hopkins Medicine says one in five new moms has postpartum depression, a serious, but highly treatable, condition. Postpartum depression is the most common complication of pregnancy and can be life threatening. Postpartum depression is a factor in 20 percent of all maternal deaths, says Lindsay Stan-

deven, M.D., of the Johns Hopkins Center for Women’s Reproductive Mental Health. Those who are at risk for postpartum depression include women who have histories of anxiety or mood disorders, a family history of postpartum mood disorders, and activity of certain genes, known as epigenetic biomarkers. Postpartum depression can cause sadness, anxiety, anger, irritability, difficulty sleeping, and intrusive thoughts that may include thoughts of harming the baby.

Postpartum psychosis

In rare cases, women may experience postpartum psychosis, a condition that affects about one-tenth of one percent of new mothers, says

5 inspirational gifts for Mother’s Day

Metro Creative

MHA. Onset is quick and severe, usually within the first two to three weeks following childbirth. Symptoms include refusal to eat; inability to cease activity and frantic energy; extreme confusion; memory loss; incoherence; paranoia; and preoccupation with trivial things. Hospitalization may be considered for a woman with postpartum psychosis until her condition stabilizes.

Families and caregivers should be aware that these conditions can occur following (and during) pregnancy. Therapy and medication can help women alleviate symptoms.

Mother’s Day is celebrated on Sunday, May 12, 2024. Mother’s Day is devoted to expressing love and showering praise on mothers, step-mothers and any other figure in one’s life who has taken on a motherly role. It is customary to lavish extra praise on moms come Mother’s Day, and that often involves gift-giving. The following are five gifts that can ensure Mom knows her efforts and unconditional love have not gone unnoticed.

1. Prompt mindful thinking: The cards from Sunny Present Empowering Questions Cards pose questions to prompt meditation, journaling or simply to practice mindfulness during the day. They are a great way to encourage positive self-talk. Each of the 52

cards feature a door in the Estonian city of Tallinn. Available through Amazon and www.sunnypresent. com.

2. Motivational can-do candles: A little aromatherapy can treat any mother to an uplifting or relaxing fragrance in her special place in the home. But these inspirational candles from Bianchi Candle Co. feature names like “bravery,” “joy” and “gratitude” and a motivational message. Purchase at bianchicandleco.com.

3. Inspirational coffee table book: Author and educator Natalie Friscia Pancetti wrote, “This Too… Life-Isms to Savor the Sweetness of Life and Calm You Through the Storms” to pay homage to her parents, particularly her father, who was fond of the phrase, “this too

See GIFT Page G14

Mother’s Day for non-traditional families

Metro Creative

No two families are the same. What may be “normal” for one family could be quite unique to another.

Because families are so different, days such as Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Grandparent’s Day, and even days devoted to siblings or cousins present opportunities for families to celebrate diversity while honoring their family members.

Branch out to many caregivers

Certainly a person becomes a mother if she has given birth to a child. But motherhood is a much broader concept. Many women are mothers to children with whom they have little to no biological connection. Some may

be relatives that filled the void left by a mother who passed away or was unable to care for children. Anyone who has stepped into the role of caretaker can and should be celebrated on Mother’s Day. Recognizing stepmothers

The notion of the “evil stepmother” in fairy tales is inaccurate. Many children have very close relationships with their stepmothers — even retaining relationships should the stepmother divorce out of the family. Modern families even include strong connections between stepmothers and biological mothers, with each doing her part to make sure children are getting the love and support they need.

Same-sex relationships

Families continue to evolve and same-sex couples are raising children. Among married same-sex couples, 18.9 percent of the households have children under age 18. These non-traditional families can be creative as they navigate holidays like Mother’s Day or Father’s Day. One way to do so is to celebrate one parent on Mother’s Day and the other on Father’s Day. However, families also can remove gender labels and celebrate both days as Parents Day, casting love and affection on caregivers however they see fit.

Absent but not forgotten

Some mothers are not present in children’s lives for various reasons. These can include death, incar-

ceration, illness, military deployment, or enrollment in a rehabilitation program. Mother’s Day can be a time of mixed emotions for individuals whose moms are not present, and families can work together to find ways to celebrate. This may be visiting the cemetery to pay respects or sending a letter to express one’s feelings. Individuals also can recognize those people who act as surrogate mothers, including special friends or coworkers who always listen and offer advice.

Mother’s Day can be recognized with flexibility and creativity within non-traditional families.

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Crafts are a great gift option

Metro Creative

Mother’s Day is a special time for children to show their appreciation for their mothers, grandmothers and the other special women in their lives. Older children typically are capable of designing their own Mother’s Day crafts or even shopping for gifts for Mom, while younger children will likely need some help from an

All that is necessary for this craft is a printed photograph of the child’s face, paper, scissors, glue, and finger paints. The child should dip hands into the paint and make four handprints on paper in some preferred colors. When dry, cut around the perimeter of the handprints. These will serve as the “wings” of the butterfly. Glue the picture of the child’s face in the middle of a piece of paper or card stock. Drawneath it (or print out a stock image to use). Draw

of construction paper or another durable paper. An adult can then use another sheet of paper to make a frame mat of sorts, cutting out a heart shape from the middle. Both pieces of paper are then trimmed to the dimensions of a photo frame. The artwork is placed first and then the heart matting on top so that the artwork will show through the heart shape. Frame everything together for a lasting memento.

Fuzzy flowers ouquet of flowers that will never wilt. Print a photo of the child’s face and attach it to a piece of circular card stock that is roughly six inches in diameter. Have the child paint a popsicle stick green, and then attach that to the back of the round card stock. The child then glues

small fuzzy pom poms to the card stock surrounding the picture to make a flower. If desired, attach a magnet to the back of the flower so it can be secured to the refrigerator.

LOCAL COLUMN

Five lessons Mom taught me

Brian D. King Transcript Staff Writer

Parenting provides a space for people to question themselves and their behavior.

I remember those times before having kids when I would eat with both elbows on the table, go to bed late and sleep in, forget to say thank you, or argue with people over petty things.

Having children provides surveillance, which prompts them to decide on what kind of person they want to be. Do we, as parents, behave a little better in front of our children because we are afraid they will mimic our behavior? Are we afraid they will grow up, judge us, and tell all their friends and posterity what bums their parents were?

Or do we behave a little better in front of our children because deep down, that is the kind of person we actually want to be?

To answer that question, I defer to my own mother. I’m not going to say that she has never eaten Honey Bunches of Oats in the morning with both of her elbows affixed to the table, but even now that her children are grown and have left the house, she lives her life in a way I know her mother would

have been proud of.

The best gift that a person can give their parents on Mother’s Day is themselves trying their hardest to be their best, not because it is their duty, but because that is how they want to be. I think it is natural for most people to wish that their children have it better than themselves, that they are a little bit kinder, friendlier, compassionate, smarter, stronger and a better steward of what resources they have. This holiday, I’d like to share a few life lessons from my own mother.

Lesson 1: People are more important than things.

Anthony J. D’Angelo taught “The most important things in life aren’t things.” Relationships, wisdom, forgiveness, charity, honesty, generosity and gratitude are all things that can’t be bought from a store. Money, toys, art, jewelry, heirlooms, land, or anything else that is a thing will come and go. How we respond to these things adds to our character. Was the fight worth it? Is that who you want to be?

Lesson 2: Be a blessing, not a burden.

Brian D. King

As a young adult, I remember when my brother borrowed my car, and then left it without gas. I got angry with him, and told him how I felt. A few months later, I borrowed my dad’s car, and I gave it back to him nearly empty. It took me a couple of years to realize the irony. In many places throughout the country, it is customary to not come to a party empty handed. My mother taught by example. In addition to bringing a side dish to parties, she would always stay behind to help clean up after the guests had left. Sometimes, it’s not the cleaning that people need help with, it’s the companionship. The Boy Scouts adage, “leave your campsite better than you found it” never fails. This principle is true, even when not exploring the great outdoors.

Lesson 3: The blame game is unproductive. At some point in your

life, you will find yourself in a regrettable situation with someone else. Maybe it was their fault, and maybe it wasn’t. The truth is that as far as your attitude is concerned, it doesn’t really matter whose fault it is. Do you want to be the person that blames others for their own misfortunes? Or do you want to be the person to assess the situation and contribute toward finding solutions, or even finding peace when a solution is not possible?

Lesson 4: Good seeds are worth planting, even if you may not be around to see the reaping.

As a child, my parents would joke that the best time to plant an apple tree was 10 years ago. Society begs short-term or immediate results from people. Often, those who do good will never have enough time on Earth to fully realize the good they do, but that shouldn’t stop them from trying. Find your passion and do good because it is a good thing to do, not because it economically makes sense. Leave a legacy that people will remember you by, not because you want to be remembered, but to bless those in the next

generation.

Lesson 5: Happiness is not a place, event, or destination, but a choice.

While it isn’t possible for anyone to control all circumstances in their lives, it is possible for anyone to control how they respond to them. There are times for mourning, grief and pain, but these don’t take away from a person’s choice to be happy.

When I looked down at my own children when they were babies, I asked myself what I wanted for them. Part of me thought it would be cool if they became professional athletes, astronauts, or even the President of the United States. In the end, those things are less important than being happy. I know that is what my own mother wants from me. For those making decisions that are preventing themselves from being happy — real happiness, not necessarily short-term bliss or elation — it is never too late to change.

Brian King covers education and politics for The Transcript. Reach him at bking@ normantranscript. com.

This recipe makes for a great breakfast in bed

Metro Creative

There may be no better way to start Mother’s Day than serving Mom some breakfast in bed. A homemade meal before Mom even gets out of bed can set the right tone for a day that celebrates all mothers have done and continue to do for their children.

There’s no shortage of breakfast in bed options to serve Mom this Mother’s Day. If Mom loves a traditional hearty morning meal, this recipe for “Mixed Berry French Toast” courtesy of Taste of Home (tasteofhome.com) is sure to please.

Mixed Berry French Toast

Makes 8 servings

6 large eggs

13⁄4 cups fat-free milk

1 teaspoon sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1⁄4 teaspoon salt

1 loaf (1 pound) French bread, cubed

1 package (12 ounces) frozen unsweetened mixed berries

2 tablespoons cold butter

1⁄3 cup packed brown sugar

Confectioners’ sugar and maple syrup (optional)

Whisk together the first 6 ingredients. Place bread cubes in a 13 x 9-inch or 3-quart baking dish coated

with cooking spray. Pour egg mixture over top. Refrigerate, covered, 8 hours or overnight.

Preheat oven to 350 F. Remove berries from freezer and French toast from refrigerator and let stand while oven heats. Bake French toast, covered, 30 minutes.

In a small bowl, cut butter into brown sugar until crumbly. Top French toast with berries; sprinkle with brown sugar mixture. Bake, uncovered, until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean, 15 to 20 minutes. If desired, dust with confectioners’ sugar and serve with syrup.

How to ensure a relaxing day for Mom

Metro Creative

The unconditional love and undying patience moms exhibit as they raise their children is worthy of more than just a single day of appreciation in May. Moms do a lot for their families, and though that’s something to celebrate every day, Mother’s Day merits upping the ante in regard to showing Mom how much she’s loved and appreciated.

This year, families can work together to ensure

this Mother’s Day is a day for Mom to relax and bask in all the extra attention she deserves.

• Serve breakfast in bed. Mom might be on breakfast detail on hectic weekday mornings, but Mother’s Day marks the perfect time for spouses and kids to take over those responsibilities. This year, keep the cereal in the pantry and go the extra mile by preparing a homemade breakfast and serving it to Mom in bed. Present the meal with a small bouquet of flowers and some

reading material and then let Mom eat in peace and quiet if she so prefers.

• Turn the en suite into a spa. Nothing complements a relaxing breakfast in bed better than a subsequent dip in Mom’s own private spa. Transform the en suite or another bathroom into Mom’s personal soaking space. Clean the bathtub, light some candles around the tub and bathroom, turn on some relaxing music, dim the lights, and then invite Mom in to soak in a freshly drawn hot bubble

bath.

• Keep Mom out of the kitchen. Keep the relaxing vibe going by making sure Mom doesn’t have to lift a finger in the kitchen. Make sure all the dishes are washed before Mom comes downstairs for the day and let her know you’ve already ordered lunch from a local restaurant. Even if Mom loves to cook, a day off from kitchen detail can make Mother’s Day that much more relaxing.

• Book some time in the great outdoors. If the

weather allows, visit a nearby park as a family and go for a walk. Nature has its own way of helping people relax, so some time outdoors in the spring air can keep the peaceful vibe going into the afternoon. If the family includes young children, choose a park with a playground so Mom can relax and watch the kids play from a nearby bench.

• Book a dinner reservation. It might require some advance booking, as Mother’s Day reserva-

tions can be hard to come by, but a night at Mom’s favorite restaurant can be the perfect conclusion to a relaxing day. If Mom’s more of a homebody, whip up a homemade meal and let Mom relax with a glass of wine as you prepare a feast.

Mother’s Day is the perfect time to plan a day of relaxation for mothers who do so much for their families throughout the year. Some simple planning can ensure Mom gets the R&R she deserves.