Around the country, mothers and children will gather on May 10 to celebrate Mother’s Day. But for those whose mothers live across the globe, there are other ways to stay connected.
Two Naperville residents who hail from other countries and are separated from their mothers tell what the holiday is like for them.
Lorraine Nieland said she used to feel sad when she’d see Mother’s Day cards pop in stores every May. For the Naperville resident who moved to the U.S. in the 1980s, it was a reminder that she wouldn’t be spending the day with her mom, Doris, 82, who lives in England.
“It has been hard over the years to be apart on different times, especially like Mother’s Day, birthdays and kids’ birthdays,” said Nieland, 55. “Happy occasions have always been a little bittersweet; the times when you would normally be getting together with family and you would have your mom there are hard.”
The Naperville mother of four said because they live so far apart, the mother and daughter work hard to keep in touch with regular phone calls and by visiting in person each year. And as far as Mother’s Day goes, it’s celebrated in March in England, so her mom enjoys it twice.
“My sister lives near my mom in England so she has two Mother’s Days every year,” said Nieland.
But Nieland said, holiday or an ordinary day, she is grateful that she can call her mom at any time and she does.
“I have always felt thankful for the telephone,” she said. “If we didn’t have it, it would be so hard to keep in touch. At least we can hear the voice on the other end and talk anytime.”
Naperville resident Jen Klein-Chaney can relate.
After moving to the United States from France nearly a decade ago, she said technology is what helps her stay connected with her mom, Dominique, 64, who lives in the northeast of France.
“We Skype at least two or three times a week,” said Klein-Chaney, 37. “She wants to see the kids interact and what we are doing at the house. It’s (probably) more about seeing the kids than me, but that’s OK.”
In France, Mother’s Day is celebrated at the end of May, and Klein-Chaney said she usually sends flowers and calls her mom as part of it. But when you live so many miles away, a day like Mother’s Day isn’t what stands out as challenging.
“For me, those holidays aren’t harder,” said Klein-Chaney, who is a mother of two. “It’s the regular things – the little things – that she doesn’t get to see with the kids and the milestones. That’s a lot harder than not being there on Mother’s Day.”
More Top Picks Best Electric Spinning Wheels
On this Mother’s Day, if you’re lucky enough to have your mom close by, take the opportunity and let her know how much you care – in person.
Jane Donahue is a freelance reporter.