by Ashley Murphy

As I hope everyone has remembered by now, Mothers Day is coming up very soon. May 10th to be exact. This is a very special day for every Mom, Mommy, and Mother out there to be recognized for the life they gave, the lessons they taught, and the love they shared.

Mother's Day is more recognition and thanks than big expensive gifts. Most Moms would be happy with a home-made card or a big hug with an added "I love you." But for those of you out there that wish to make this Mother's Day a special one to remember for your moms, here are a couple of suggestions that they will soon not forget.

I'm sure most of you from around the Southeast Tennessee area have heard of the Southern Belle River Boat, Chattanooga Symphony and Opera, and the Tennessee Valley Railroad, all based in Chattanooga, Tennessee. All of the places listed above offer wonderful events on this Mother's Day for moms of all ages to enjoy with the entire family.

The Southern Belle Riverboat has two individual special events planned for May 10th. They are offering two separate cruises, with dinner and music played from a piano. Each cruise is approximately two hours and will take you on a scenic journey down the Tennessee River. The first cruise will depart at 1 PM and return around 3 PM. The main menu for the midday cruise will consist of Chicken Florentine and Fettuccine Alfredo. The evening cruise will depart at 5 PM and return by 7 PM. The main menu for the evening cruise changes from the midday cruise and will consist of Prime Rib and Shrimp Scampi Pasta. If this sounds like something that you believe your Mother would enjoy, visit chattanoogariverboat.com for more details and how to book your river cruise today.

If your Mother doesn't fair too well on water, but enjoys music, then maybe she will prefer the special event that The Chattanooga Symphony and Opera will be holding on Sunday, May 10th. At 2:30 PM in the Tivoli Theatre, the CSO will present Big Band Fever Two! The Chattanooga Symphony and Opera Big Band will be conducted by Robert Bernhardt and playing a variety of music from the Big Band Era. This will include music by artists such as Benny Goodman, Harry James, Artie Shaw, The Dorsey Brothers, and Glenn Miller. Tickets for this event will sure to sell fast so visit chattanoogasymphony.org for more information.

Another great place to take Mom this Mother's Day is for a ride on the Tennessee Valley Railroad. While there are no special events planned, the train will run it's regular course on the Missionary Ridge Local. This is an opportunity to relax and take in the scenery of springtime in Tennessee. The outing is a six mile round trip and will include a ride through the Missionary Ridge Tunnel, a turn table demonstration, and a guided tour of East Chattanooga Back Shop. The train will leave from Grand Junction Station and there are five separate departure times: 10:40 am, 12:05 PM, 1:15 PM, 2:25 PM, and 3:35 PM. While the entire train ride is only about 50 to 55 minutes, it would still make a great relaxing day for Mom. You can even treat her to lunch at the deli inside Grand Junction Station or one of the many other restaurants located in downtown Chattanooga. More information about the Tennessee Valley Railroad can be found at tvrail.com.

If you would rather keep it a little more simple and close to home, there are several ways to put a smile on Mom's face. Many local florists would be more than happy to deliver a beautiful bouquet of flowers. Many local spas also do gift certificates. A back rub to soothe tired muscles or a facial (even just relaxing time to herself) would make Mom extremely thankful. One cute idea I have seen, but not sure of anyone in Cleveland making, are cookie bouquets. They are elaborately decorated cookies arranged in a basket, a vase, or on a platter and made to look like a bouquet of flowers. The only difference is, they are edible! Here are a couple of websites to check out that I found will deliver to just about anywhere:           

cookiesbydesign.com, cookiebouquets.com, and cookiesinbloom.com.

If you want to keep it real simple, yet very close to the heart, a Mother's Day card with a personal note, a hug, and an "I love you" will be enough to show your Mother how grateful you are of her.

I for one have several women to be thankful for this Mother's Day, just as on every one past. First and foremost is my Mom, Kerri. Without her, I obviously wouldn't be here today. Even though we tend to argue and I don't always show my appreciation, I love my Mom and blessed to have her as a part of my everyday life. Between her and my Nanny, Gincy, they have helped me grow into the person I am today, with my own twist on life of course. My Nanny has always been there for me, whether I have got myself into the stickiest of situations or I'm just having an off day.  My stepmom, Robin, has also tried to keep me on the right path through her many influences . I'm thankful she has taken the time to treat me as one of her own. My Nan, Billy, is an amazing lady and one of the most kind hearted women I know. There's another lady who, unfortunately, has not been with me for a few years now, but I think about her everyday. My Granny, Deloris. She was always there to listen and share. I can never forget her for that. 

There's one girl that this day will be especially memorable for, my sister. She had a baby boy (my first nephew!) in December. She is doing an amazing job as a new mommy and I hope she enjoys her first Mother's Day!

Now it's your turn. Please don't forget all of those special women in your life on Mother's Day. Make sure you thank them and let them know how much they are appreciated and loved. Happy Mother's Day!

My mom is a never-ending song in my heart of comfort, happiness, and being. I may sometimes forget the words but I always remember the tune. ~Graycie Harmon

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