MOTHER'S DAY STAY-CATION
Mother's Day is one day a year, but it can hold the weight of a lifetime.
For those who celebrate with family, it can be complicated, but for those whose moms are not present to celebrate it with, it can be heartbreakingly complex. Here are some ideas about heavenly and earthly ways of honoring the universal and eternal maternal, whether you do or don't traditionally recognize Mother's Day.
MOTHER EARTH
The Greeks believed that Gaia was the goddess of ultimate maternal power who gave structure to the chaotic universe and created Earth. In 1970, chemists James Lovelock and Lynn Margulis proposed that the Earth is a living being, a self-regulating entity. This "Gaia Theory" has earned credence in the past few decades as a belief that "a sophisticatedly aware universe contains an intelligent cosmic force that oversees life on Earth." Sounds like a mom.
No matter what you believe, most of us can get behind the concept of Mother Earth, so consider getting out in nature to bond with this biggest momma of all by visiting one of your favorite outdoor spots or trying someplace new.
Longue Vue Gardens
7 Bamboo Rd., longuevue.com
Longue Vue's gardens are the masterwork of 20th century landscape architect Ellen Biddle Shipman, a female entrepreneur and friend to Longue Vue founders Edith and Edgar Stern. In 1968, Shipman opened the gardens of Longue Vue to the public, yet, many locals have never visited these gorgeous grounds.
Lafreniere Park
3000 Downs Blvd., Metairie, lafrenierepark.org
There's plenty of green area there, plus a walking trail around the edges of the park, but somewhat hidden is the carousel, which costs only $1. Be a kid for a day and choose from 30 moving horses, a tiger, a zebra, and two chariots (one handicapped accessible).
City Park's Yakumo Nihon Teien Japanese Garden
5 Victory Ave., jgfnola.com
This little gem within City Park is a peaceful place to spend quiet time. The garden is located just beyond the Train Garden, near the Garden Study Center. "Surrounded by a beautiful bamboo fence, visitors enjoy the garden as an oasis of calm and tranquility."
BODIES OF WATER
We call it "Ole Man River," and Mississippi means "great river" or "father of waters," but it's hard not to associate bodies of water with women. One thing we all have in common is that we floated in mom's womb. Water is associated with life
and so are moms.
If you don't reside near Bayou St. John, work on or near the river, don't cross the Causeway with your commute, or own a boat, you may not visit our many nearby bodies of water often or take time to enjoy them. Consider exploring places near the water.
The Algiers Levee in Algiers Point
Locals and tourists alike know this has the best view of the Quarter and downtown, especially at sunset. Take the ferry or drive over the Crescent City Connection to reach Algiers and spend a day getting a new perspective.
Riverbend
Start near the corner of Carrollton and Oak Street, walk down Oak, cross River Road, the railroad tracks, and then walk on the levee to access the earthier side of Uptown.Bayou Sauvage, New Orleans East
The refuge contains a wide variety of wildlife habitats, freshwater and brackish marshes, lagoons, canals, borrow pits, and natural bayous. More info can be found at fws.gov/refuge/bayou-sauvage-urban.
OUR LADY OF PROMPT SUCCOR
The Virgin Mary may be the most famous mom, and she holds a special place in the Crescent City because she is the patroness of Louisiana and the patron saint of New Orleans. This special title of hers means "Our Lady of Instant Help," which is pretty much the silent title of all moms everywhere.
Her name is traced to the French Ursuline Nuns in the early days of New Orleans, and there are several miracles accredited to her, including assisting in the outcome of the Battle of New Orleans in 1815. As a result, her feast day is celebrated on that victorious day of January 8.
It is customary for the citizens of New Orleans to pray before the statue of Our Lady of Prompt Succor, asking for her intercession whenever a hurricane threatens the city, reciting the prayer: "Our Lady of Prompt Succor, hasten to help us."
Who among us hasn't expected a fast miracle from our moms? Maybe it's time to give this tried and proven miracle worker a try, and Mother's Day seems apt for an introduction.
You can make a pilgrimage to her statue, originally housed in the Old Ursulines Convent on Chartres, now on display at Ursulines Academy at 2701 State St. Light a candle, say a prayer, or just take in the history and beauty of this site, which "welcomes all who wish to come to this sacred place."
HELPING OTHERS
Whether or not you are on the giving or receiving end of pampering on this special day, or if you are creating another type of Mother's Day for yourself, consider offering your support to one of the many worthy organizations that focus on women, children, and families.
New Orleans Women and Children's Shelter
2020 S. Liberty St., nowcs.org
The largest sheltering organization dedicated to serving the most under-served and vulnerable population in Greater New Orleans: homeless families.
New Orleans Family Justice Center
701 Loyola Ave. #201, nofjc.org
The Family Justice Center provides a range of free services to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, human trafficking, and child abuse in the Greater New Orleans area.
Habitat for Humanity
2900 Elysian Fields Ave., habitat-nola.org
This organization helps families in New Orleans to build and finance new, safe, affordable homes.
PLACES OF COMFORT
Seek out a spot that you find comforting, maybe one that you associate with happy memories of your mom. That might be a library, bookstore, spa, movie theater, or grocery store. It might be your own kitchen or couch. Whether you celebrate the day with friends, family, or alone, Mother's Day isn't a Hallmark card—it's a day to celebrate life and love, however you can. Make your own mark on Mother's Day. After all, necessity is the mother of invention.
