Help honor moms no longer with us

In two weeks, moms around the country will be celebrated and pampered by their kids and grandkids.

But some people can only honor their mothers in spirit on Mother’s Day.

If that describes you, or someone you know, let the News-Leader help. We invite readers who want to pay tribute to a mom who has died to send a memory and a photo to us by end of Tuesday. We’ll include all in an online remembrance, with selected photos and submissions also going in our print Life section on May 13. (See details at the end of this column.)

My husband’s mother — my children’s grandmother — died last July, so this will be our first year to send no cards and gifts; make no calls to Michigan. Instead, we will spend time with family and celebrate her life and what we remember best. Betty was my mother-in-law but she treated me like her own daughter and it’s still hard to know she’s gone. My kids still talk about the incredible Sunday dinners she served, and how much she loved her family and always took an interest.

I know several others who lost a mother recently, or who have lived without a mom since they were young. Our Mother’s Day tribute story will be one way to honor and celebrate incredible mothers who are no longer with us.

Mark your calendar

• Speaking of Mother’s Day, my favorite gift-shopping opportunity comes around this weekend. Artsfest on Walnut Street is Saturday and Sunday. I always find something wonderful for my mother — and for myself, too. Find details in today’s May calendar.

• Another cool mom-related event in our calendar is the tribute to Remarkable Mothers of the Ozarks at the Tapas and TopHats event happening Friday night at the Remmington’s Entertainment Complex on West Republic Road. The fundraiser to benefit Camp Barnabas features speaker Kate Gosselin. Find details in our calendar.

Mother's Day tribute

By end of Tuesday, submit a photo and write something special to celebrate the life of a mom who has died. We will feature tributes online, with selected submissions to go in print, on May 13.