Mother's Day is awesome and all, especially if you get to sleep late, but I have a way to make it an even sweeter celebration: Show another special needs mom some love.
My idea comes from one I read on Cozi, a free site that helps moms organize their lives. Basically, you're a Mother's Day Fairy: Just pick another special needs mom in your neighborhood and drop off something special on her doorstep on Mother's Day, with a note. Your gift doesn't have to be major—think flowers from your garden, a few pieces of candy tied with ribbon, a $10 gift card to Starbucks. You can do this anonymously or not; it really is the thought that counts.
I was at the Mom 2.0 Summit this weekend; the Teleflora people were there, and they've offered up the above Premium Charm & Grace bouquet a mom can send to a special needs friend. (You won't even need to leave the house to be a Mother's Day Fairy!) The bouquet, worth $75, includes light-pink roses, pink asiatic lilies, light pink alstroemeria and white waxflower; it's accented with ferns and delivered (free!) in a pink glass vase. (NOTE TO HUSBAND: IT'S GORGEOUS, HINT, HINT).
RULES OF ENTRY
• To enter, leave a comment below about a mom of a child with special needs you'd like to play Mother's Day Fairy for (no need to name her, of course), and why.
• Valid email address required; I need that so I can contact you. So if your email is not visible on your blog, you'll need to leave it in your comment. If there is no email, your entry won't count.
• This giveaway is open to residents of the U.S.
• This giveaway is open until Wednesday, May 9 at 2:00 p.m.
WINNER DETERMINATION
• I'll randomly pick the winner and alert you; you'll then need to email me the name, address and contact phone number of the mom to whom you want to send the bouquet.
• If you do not respond by 9:00 a.m. on Thursday May 10, I'll need to pick another winner (the bouquet has to be ordered on Thursday to arrive in time).
Me, I know exactly who I'm visiting on Mother's Day, with a Starbucks gift card. I hope you'll join me in being a Mother's Day Fairy, even if you don't win the bouquet to send. If you've done volunteer work, you know that giving feels even better than getting. Ready to give? Of course, we all deserve major flowers on Mother's Day. Because we rock.
UPDATE This giveaway is closed; the winner is Elizabeth. And one of Elizabeth's friends is soon going to be very, very psyched. Meanwhile, I hope you pay it forward on Mother's Day in other ways.
I LOVE this idea Ellen! I know exactly who I would send the flower arrangement to and I really hope I win so I can do it!
ReplyDeleteI will be sure to share this so other moms hear about it as well!
I adore this idea and this giveaway. My first year as a divorced mom of two SN kids, a fellow preschool mom (not even a close friend, really) surprised me with a huge flower delivery on Mother's Day. It was the kindest surprise I received that year. Mother's Day can be tough for SN moms--and even more so for moms going through a divorce or parenting solo. I have a friend in the same boat now and I'd love to do the same for her next Sunday. Even if I don't win the giveaway I'll be doing something special for her. Thanks for this reminder, Ellen.
ReplyDeleteI would love to send a bouquet like this to J.
ReplyDeleteJ and her husband were foster parents to our two babies before we brought them home and adopted them. They have been foster parents to over 200 children, many with special needs. They give so much not only to children in foster care, but also to low birth weight centers, stroke groups, special Olympics, and the alike.
She deserves to know we are so grateful to have met her!!
brandifought@att.net
I have many moms that I could do something for as I lead a support group for special needs parents through our church! But I do have one mom, who is really struggling right now that I would send the bouquet to.
ReplyDeletecassandra(dot)sines@gmail(dot)com.
I have more than one Mom that I am thinking of, but this is a fantastic idea. The one I will send it to is a single Mom with a special needs child, and other children, too. She nerds to know what an inspiration she is. And since she lives in another city I can't just drop by.
ReplyDeletekamichat at gmail dot com
What a terrific idea! There is a mom whom I am friendly with who has had a tough road lately with her autistic son. She deserves these flowers (as do all moms, let alone those of special needs children).
ReplyDeleteI have the perfect mom in mind for this amazing gift. She is the epitome of grace and love.
ReplyDeletecassie.mclelland@gmail.com
I would love to send this to a mom in our community who like you wants to make life easier and better for families who have children with special needs. She also has a child with special needs herself. Her vision to build a recreational facility for people of all abilities recently came true.
ReplyDeletelaura@chambanamoms.com
That sounds so neat, Ellen! I'd have to decide between two local SPN moms if I won, they are both fierce mama bears who totally deserve a surprise! They are also a little ways from me so it would be nice if I didn't have to drive across town! :)
ReplyDeleteIt's so cool the idea of a contest you enter for someone else. Makes me feel all warm and fuzzy.
I LOVE THIS! There are a few moms I would love to do this for. One of them being my best friend who has twins (boy/girl) - her daughter is on the spectrum. She works full time in CT but lives in NYC (total pain to do reverse commute). Since we're both always busy it's hard for us to get together.
ReplyDeleteBut if I won, I would send this to a mom that I know - she's a single mom of 2 children (9 and 2). Her oldest daughter is non verbal autistic. She has little family support and no help from the dads. She works full time and I think she would really appreciate the gesture.
And I am absolutely sharing this :D
~ Lisa
One of my neighbors has a 17 year old son with autism. she's the strongest woman i know. she definitely could use some flowers.
ReplyDeleteI'd like to gift the newly-single mom who lives down the street.
ReplyDeleteI know exactly who I want to send this to. My friend just spent 18 months working towards getting the right placement for her son. Today, she got it. She never agued or fought with the school, but worked hard to have them see what was right. She's my idol.
ReplyDeleteI'm at trydefyinggrav (at) gmail.com
I met my friend Patty because our children played together on a Miracle League baseball team. My son has a genetic disorder, hers Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Sadly last fall he passed away due to complications from his disease. This will be her first Mother's Day without him and I know like other milestones to come it will be hard. Thank you for this opportunity to make someone's day. Happy Mother's Day to YOU!!!
ReplyDeletewhat an awesome gift!! I want to celebrate my mom, shehas 5kids with special needs and 4 grandkids who are special as well. She deserves some floral love!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful idea, there are so many special moms who's day would be extra special from the Mother's Day Fairy :)
ReplyDeletegoforette@msn.com
I'd love to put my own mother into the running! She raised myself and my brother with virtually no help from my dad. (Both of us have some special needs - he has a LD and I have had some severe social anxiety that sent me from public school to a smaller school) She has done so much for us and I do not have enough money to get her that great of a gift. She really deserves this as she is going through a tough divorce.
ReplyDeleteshesxcomeundonex@gmail.com
I just have to say, these are THE most beautiful comments I've ever seen on a giveaway, or even any post.
ReplyDeleteOh my, what a wonderful wonderful idea! My SN momma bestie would be over the moon to get these. She is as true of a friend as they come all while dealing with her own daughter's challenges. They just got home after 3 months in the hospital and a major surgery. She's exhausted, overwhelmed, and grateful to be home. These would just so totally make her day! Thank your for the opportunity!
ReplyDeleteCathleenT04 at aol dot com
I would love to send these to our friend S. who's son had a near drowning accident. She is now paying it forward by getting free Infant Swimming Resource (ISR) self-rescue lessons for kids that can't afford it. It would make her day!
ReplyDeletekjordan@ephibian.com
my neighbor across the street Lisa would be perfect, she's a super nice person & a very patient stay at home mom to her son Ronnie.
ReplyDeletemicaela6955 at msn dot com
It will be hard to choose if I win. I know some pretty great special needs moms!
ReplyDeleteThis is beautiful idea. I know a mom who has more than one special needs child and in addition, does much for other families of special needs children. She is a wonderful mother, friend, and advocate.
ReplyDeletekaallison7@gmail.com
I would pick the mother of my son's school girlfriend. I know she could use some floral love!
ReplyDeleteI would choose a lady from the church I work at. She has 4 kids, 2 w/ special needs. Over the past few years, she's seen them both hospitalized a few times. When I see her, I can't help but hug her. She looks tired but at the same time driven to keep going. She's recently made an effort to educate herself further in order to begin organizing a support group for caregivers, whether it be parent, grandparent, sibling, friend, neighbor. She recognizes the importance of not isolating ourselves at the times support is needed the most. She's an amazing person who I'd love to see a huge smile on her face as she receives such a special surprise!
ReplyDeleteDonya(dot)platt at Verizon dot net
I know who I am going to gift this mother's day.The grandmother of E. a month old girl with Cerbal Palsy who just moved in next door.She is 76 years old and took in her grandaughter after her parents abandonded her.She truley is amazing.Already bought her chocolate.
ReplyDeleteMy friend has 5 children - one daughter with autism, surviving triplets, and a younger one. One of her surviving triplets is on the road to being diagnosed with a mitochondrial disease, and she learned that this likely contributed to the death of her other triplet daughter at 2 days old, may have contributed to her older daughter's autism - and is something that is passed on from the mom. So she's not in a very good place right now.
ReplyDeleteamy.maio@alaska.com
I'd give it to my friend J. She had two kids, one with DS. Then she and her husband adopted another child with DS from over seas. They are still adjusting to their new life and struggling, but I know they will get over this transition period and be a great family of 5!
ReplyDeleteMy SN mom has been having a difficult, overwhelming time lately. I don't want to post too many details as she reads your blog on occasion. Her one child that absolutely adores her has CP and this supermom has gone to battle to ensure her little cutie and his siblings get what they need to meet (and potentially exceed) their full potential. They've had a bunch of unexpected extra expenses lately so I'm sure theist she could use a bright pick me up. glbma (at) hotmail (dot ) com
ReplyDeleteI know of a special needs mom who is very busy with life. She has one son with special needs and younger twins. She also owns her own business and volunteers all around town.
ReplyDeletefish5trish@aol.com
This is such a great idea. I have a dear friend that I meet with weekly to check in on the very real struggles of life. I was with her through her pregnancy when she was told her baby would not be born alive because of his congenital heart defect. 6 years later and he's very active and adorable and has attachment disorder because of his medical crisis in his first years of life. I admire her faith, strength, and boldness in life. She would be my pick.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE this idea! Thank you!!!
ReplyDeleteI would love to give it to Dina... She began as MY son's Developmental Therapist but has become so much more... She has a wonderful son, T. with special needs. SHe's a beautiful, caring mom & I would love for her to receive this bouquet!!!
xoxoxoxos to you!
Great idea! I have a mom I know who goes way beyond what is expected of anyone to make sure her son is well taken care of.
ReplyDeletefscott2929(at)comcast(dot)net
A great idea! My SN's mom is my son's beautiful wife, my daughter-in-law. She has one of the most positive outlooks on life and never ceases to give everyone a pick me up smile. She shares that love and grace with my precious granddaughters, the youngest with special needs. Through my daughter in law's commitment and never give up attitude, and while keeping down a full time job, my granddaughter has made strides that the doctors said she never would reach such as crawling and walking. Win or not in this giveaway, she will be honored.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the opportunity.
czthdaypjg@gmail.com
What a sweet idea! I'd love to be able to do something to honor some of the other special needs mamas we have encountered in our journey. Right now, I think I'd give this to my friend A, who has been graciously loving on her little boy L (downs, heart complications, etc). Thanks for the opportunity!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea Ellen!! I have the perfect mom in mind for the flower give away. She has two kiddos with special needs and she is an amazing mom to them both.
ReplyDeleteTisha
tnkadlac@gmail.com
I definitely have someone in mind! Thanks for this!
ReplyDeleteI'd like to win this for a coworker. She has a special needs daughter. Her husband recently left her and she has had some setbacks at work. She could really use something to brighten her day.
ReplyDeleteI love this! I'm going to have a hard time choosing someone to give them to!
ReplyDeletel_weaver_1214@yahoo.com
My mom becaause she pursured her job while parenting me at the same time
ReplyDeleteI would like to nominate my amazing friend Karin. Karin has a daughter with Angelman's syndrome. If her daughter speaks 50 words across her lifetime she will be considered high functioning for her disorder. Children with Angelman's rarely make it into adulthood. :(
ReplyDeleteKarin also works full time and has another neurotypical child.
She is so positive about life and strives to fulfill her daughter's best self.
PS ...can telaflora just give one to everyone nominated? because just like your special needs child vs. your 'typical' one how do you choose??? everyone special needs mom deserves this...THANK YOU for doing this.
I read this post in your blog, and I would like to nominate my Aunt. I would not consider my cousin as someone with special needs since she is so friendly, smart and capable, and if she was sitting down, you would never know that she has CP. But my aunt has been through a lot recently, with helping my cousin to have all the opportunities available to a normal teenager to getting casting on my cousin's hand in order to straighten it. My aunt works so hard every day to make my cousins life easier in any way she can, and I know that she would greatly appreciate these flowers. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteYaelli18@aol.com
I love this idea Ellen! The SN Mom that I would give these flowers too hasn't really celebrated Mother's Day since losing her Mom. She has a 9 year old Autistic daughter. These flowers would be perfect to let her know she is a wonderful mother and worthy of being celebrated.
ReplyDeleteKatieharris029@gmail.com
One of my friends has a 5-week old w/ Down Syndrome. She didn't know she was going to have it before she was born so she is still kind of reeling. Would love to send this to her! Thanks for the great idea Ellen!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea! I know a perfect Mom for this gift. She goes out of her way to help other moms with children with special needs. She is a great role model.
ReplyDeleteHi! I wasn't entering the contest, but wanted to tell you that you inspired me to mail a care box to another mom who's son has Down syndrome and who is receiving treatment for cancer right now. Her box is supposed to arrive tomorrow!!! Our youngest son, Joey, also has DS and I have been sending messages to this mom, but your post inspired me to do more. She received a box of coffee, tea, starbucks card, gum and a bag to carry it all back and forth the hospital in and we sent little Oliver the same design shirt our Joey used for his heart surgery "I'm a Lover AND a Fighter". I hope they enjoy it! Thank you for YOUR inspiration! Hugs to your beautiful family from Cowgirl Up!
ReplyDelete