It’s not too late to pick out something special and surprise your mother on her special day Sunday. A gift would be nice, but a visit in person or by telephone might be appreciated more than a gift.

The first observance of Mother’s Day was held in Philadelphia in 1907 when Anna Jarvis asked her church to hold a special service in honor of all mothers on the anniversary of her mother’s death. Two years later Jarvis and many other friends began a letter-writing campaign that encouraged the creation of a national day to honor mothers.

Congress listened and passed legislation in 1914 that designated the second Sunday in May as Mother’s Day.

Today people throughout the country pause on the second Sunday in May to honor their mothers in many different ways. Gifts and flowers are nice, but according to my wife, Peggy, seeing her children and grandchildren on Mother’s Day each year is the best gift of all.

I hope each of you will take time Sunday to visit your mother or give her a call if a visit is not possible. I sure wish I could still call my mom.

Moving into another area, can you believe the rainfall we are experiencing? I remember only a year and a half ago the entire region was in the grips of one of the worst droughts in the state’s history.

Friday was the first day in several that flash-flood warnings were not issued for some part of Alabama. I remember thinking during the big drought that I would not complain about rain ever again even if it rained every day.

I remember my mother used to tell me to “be careful what you say because you might have to eat your words” at some later point. Considering all I have said this week about the rain we have received, I’ve had to drink my earlier words several times.

I guess it is true. Mothers do know best.