“There is no influence so powerful as that of the mother.” —Sara Josepha Hale

This Sunday, May 8 is Mother’s Day, a time where we honor and remember the women who have made such profound impacts on our lives. Although the word “mom” is only three letters, it carries an incredible amount of power, influence, and most importantly, love with it. Where would we be without our mothers?

In celebration of this very special day, here are some fun facts about the history of Mother’s Day:

• Mother’s Day is not always observed on the same date each year. It is celebrated on the second Sunday in May.

• There are approximately 122 million phone calls made on Mother’s Day, more than any other day of the year.

• One of the earliest Mother’s Day celebrations was in Ancient Greece

• It’s one of the busiest days of the year for restaurants.

• 152 million Mother’s Day cards are sent each year.

• Ann Jarvis is credited with bringing Mother’s Day to prominence in the United States. Around the time of the Civil War, she worked to create bonds between the mothers on both sides of the war.

• Carnations are the traditional flower of the holiday. Ann Jarvis used the carnation on Mother’s Day to symbolize whether your mother was living. A red carnation meant she was, and a white meant she had passed.

We at Forest Lawn wish all moms a very happy Mother’s Day. For those whose moms are no longer with them, we hope that their memories will fill your hearts with all the love and care that overflowed from their lives and was shared with you through the years.