Mother’s Day weekend. At a time when most college students are just wrapping up their academic year and heading back home for the summer, here at DU we still have another month of hard work ahead of us. In the bustle of finishing up midterms and working on projects that always seem to pop up around this time, it can be far too easy to let any meaningful recognition and celebration of Mother’s Day slip through the cracks. This, however, is a tragedy to be avoided.

Everyone comes from a different situation at home: Some of us come from traditional American two parent households, some were raised by single parents, some were adopted and some lie along the diverse spectrum in between. While different upbringings create different expectations and traditions for Mother’s Day, everyone should make some effort to recognize and honor their biological or spiritual mother sometime this Sunday, May 11.

For those students from Colorado where a trip home is feasible, there is no better way to show that you care than by spending the day with your mother. Showing up by surprise before the sun comes up to make breakfast in bed would undoubtedly impress, even if it requires some advance planning on Saturday night.

For those of us hailing from out of state where a trip home would involve great expense and hassle, there are plenty of ways to express how we feel from afar. Something that is truly representative of you and your talents will go much farther than sending a pre-bought card or arranging a flower delivery. This is a chance to show that, even from a distance, you are willing to take time out of your day to send something back home.

Think about writing a heartfelt poem expressing your feelings and how lucky you are to have an amazing, thoughtful and special woman in your life. Or maybe making a bracelet or other small craft to send to her with a letter of gratitude. Think outside the box. It is your mother, and no one knows better than you what will make her day.

In the end, it is all about how much you care and how much time and effort you are willing to put into making your mother feel special. A call and a card may be nice, but are stereotypical. A visit, poem or unexpected surprise will go a lot farther in showing your mother that she means a lot more to you than any store bought item can.