The Power Of Maternal Love: Saying 'Thank You' on Mother's Day

Where would we be without our mothers? Hopefully, you're wise enough to figure out that answer on your own. And hopefully, you're smart enough to know that this weekend is Mother's Day. A day to celebrate but more importantly recognize everything your mom has done and continues to do for you.

Several years ago, Courtlin and I wrote letters to our moms for Mother's Day. It was an emotional exercise for sure. I know that I had said thank you to my mom before, but certainly never so publicly. I cried, my mom cried, and in the end, she got to hear how grateful her son was.

I hope that my mom knows how much I appreciate everything she did for my brother and me growing up. When you become a parent, you fully understand the sacrifices that your mom made so you could have the things you needed in life.

Holly and I are proud parents to three teenagers. Chase is 19, Carly is 16, and Cayleigh is 14. And while we haven't been perfect parents, I can tell you that no one loves our kids more than Holly does. You can't duplicate a mother's love for her children. Sure, Dad helps raise them, but Mom CARRIED them and brought them into this world! Everything that Holly does is with her children in mind. Someday they'll fully understand.

Ryan Brainard

And by marrying Holly 25 years ago this year, I gained another Mom! My mother-in-law Pat has been there whenever we've needed her. She still is, taking kids to school and picking them up from practices. I'm blessed to be able to call her my second Mom.

On this Mother's Day weekend, the greatest gift you can give your mom is time. Time together, over dinner, or just the time it takes to call and say thank you. Thank you for being there whenever I needed you. Thank you for loving us.

Happy Mother's Day to my mom Nancy, my mother-in-law Pat, and to the mother of my kids, Holly.