On Sunday, mothers around the world were treated to gifts, company and new memories. At the Bradford Ecumenical Home, things were no different as residents spent time with children and grandchildren in celebration.

One of those spending the day at the Ecumenical Home with her mother was Lin Carlson, who spent the day bonding with her mother, Orpha Krise.

Carlson said one of her favorite things to do on Mother’s Day was to get a family photo taken.

“Every year on Mother’s Day, my mother, my daughters and myself would get our picture taken in front of the cherry tree in bloom in the front yard,” she said.

“We always got together and had a meal at home, we weren’t really ones to go out and celebrate,” Carlson said, explaining her family’s annual traditions. “We just got together as a family.”

The Mother’s Day holiday traditionally celebrated in the United States was devised by Anna Jarvis, who wanted to honor the sacrifices mothers make for their children. The honoring of mothers gained much momentum and grew in popularity. On May 9, 1914, President Woodrow Wilson to officially proclaim the second Sunday in May to be recognized as Mother’s Day “as a public expression of love and reverence for the mothers of our country.”

Mother’s Day holds a special place in Carlson’s heart, as she explained she is thankful for her mother and for the chance to be a mother.

“I am grateful and honored that God gave me two beautiful daughters to be their mother to,” Carlson said. “I am blessed with my parents for having a Christian heritage and being raised by them.”