My mom was a simple woman who dedicated her life to her husband and kids. She never worked a day outside the house, she was a great cook, and always kind and extraordinarily helpful. She was old fashioned but loved to watch TV and go to movies.
She helped raise 18 grandchildren, coming to the United States from Iran to help for the first year after each of my three children’s births as well each of my sister’s three children. She did not speak a word of English but was able to communicate with all of our friends and family for hours.
We lost her four years ago, ironically on Mother’s Day. I still miss her terribly, and will remember and honor her especially, as we all do, on Mother’s Day this month. I was humbled and touched by the thoughts and memories from all of my closest friends at our own private memorial here in the U.S. Each and every one of them affectionately called her as I did "Mommun-june" which translates to "Dearest Mother." She touched so many lives.
The early history of Mother's Day dates back to Persians, Greeks, and Romans. Celebrating love in general and expressing love and respect towards mothers in Persian culture traces back for centuries. In America, Julia Ward Howe, who wrote “The Battle Hymn of the Republic,” proposed a Mother’s Day Proclamation in 1870. Decades later a loving daughter, Anna Jarvis, campaigned intensely to make it a recognized annual commemoration. It was declared a national holiday by then-president Woodrow Wilson, designating the second Sunday in May as Mother's Day by signing a Joint Resolution on May 8, 1914.
Here’s to all loving mothers around the world, especially my mom, Mommun-June and equally so your own special person.
Sincerely,
David Nadjafi