Usually on Mother’s Day, we opine on the joys of motherhood. This year, we invited Clarion staff to share a thought or two on what makes their mom special, or, for the moms we work with, things about motherhood that have been special to them. Here’s what they shared:

“One of the best things I have ever seen my mom do is be grandma to my kids. She always did it her own way – from teaching them to burp on command (and denying it!), to buying her first motorcycle the day after her first grandgirl was born, to babysitting without complaint, to reading them “Harry Potter” chapter by chapter at breakfast every morning. Even when we disagree, I know she’ll always be there, cheering on my kids as they continue to succeed, and I can never thank her enough for that. So we’ll just settle with this: Thanks, Mom, for teaching me to mother, and showing me how much fun I’ll have when my kids love me enough to make me a gramma too. I look forward to spoiling those ones together.”

— Beth Ulricksen, Account Executive

“There aren’t that many moms who could get a kid to start reading by age 3, but mine did and made sure I kept going, which is how I got where I am today.

“There aren’t many moms who could successfully hide the fact that Santa Claus isn’t real from their child for probably much longer than it’s healthy to believe, but mine managed it to help keep me dreaming.

“There aren’t many moms who could survive five straight days in a car with me driving from Michigan to Alaska, but mine did and had energy left to fish to boot.

“All moms are amazing, but I’m pretty sure mine has some radioactive spider-induced super powers when it comes to patience and generosity.”

— Megan Pacer, Reporter

“My mom wanted to name me Lily, but her mother asked her not to. My grandmother thought Lily was an ugly name. So, instead I’m named Kathleen after my grandmother. I love my name, so I’m glad she listened to her mom even though Lily is a beautiful name. If I have a daughter, though, I’ll listen to my mom and name her Lily. Always listen to your mom.”

— Kat Sorensen, Reporter

“The funny thing about mothers is that you can’t stand them from ages 12 through 21. Then, all of a sudden, they are the smartest people in the world. I’m sure that most folks can relate to this, and I’m certainly one of them. I fought and battled with my mother through my teenage years, but once I was on my own in college, I realized that everything that my mom didn’t understand, all that ‘nonsense’ that she spewed, was disguised as wisdom. I realized that she, too, was once my age. Thank you Mom!”

— Joey Klecka, Sports Reporter

“I’m 43 years old; I’ve been out of the house for more than 20 years. I’ve been married for almost 20 years, in Alaska since 1999, and have a family of my own. But whenever she hears about a volcanic eruption or earthquake in Alaska — anywhere in Alaska — my mom always calls just to make sure everyone is OK. I guess you never stop being a mom, and it’s appreciated.”

— Will Morrow, Editor

With all that said, there’s just one more thing to say: Happy Mother’s Day!