As a child, I always looked forward to May for the celebrations that were planned at my Catholic elementary school. May is the month of Mary, the mother of Jesus, and our school paid homage every year. Now you might ask why that was special to me. Well it has to do with the fact that I was one of the smallest kids in the school and so I got to dress up like a baby angel and wear a beautiful wreath of pink roses. But the best part of the May Day procession was getting to hang out with all the eighth grade girls who thought I was so cute. They were like a bevy of mothers. Combing my hair, helping me dress, coaching me on my duties and making me feel like a million dollars. You should know that I was never treated like that any other time because I was always in trouble with those super-strict nuns. Somehow they always let me off the hook for May Day!

As you will read in many of our columns this month, mothers come in many packages. As mothers, we not only help raise our own children but we can be a major influence in the lives of our children’s friends and neighbors.

Our May issue is full of wonderful mothering messages. Columnist Kristen Patel, our “Mommy Brain”, has written one of the most beautiful tributes to all you moms out there! She shares her nine years of experience in a charming and poignant message. “Nursing your Baby” by Sheila Janokos showers new moms with lots of good wishes and advice to make the art of mommy-ism easier. Steve Shapiro, our “Father Knows Best?” columnist gives tribute to the mother of his little girls. This column shows that sometimes fathers DO know best!

Our cover this month was shot at the beautiful Filoli Gardens in Woodside. This National Heritage House is the gem of the Peninsula. If you have never been there you and your family are missing some of the most beautiful gardens in the USA. POP’s freelance writer Tice Swakhammer fills us in on the history of this lovely mansion and gardens. She also gives readers a run-down on the exciting happenings in conjunction with Mother’s Day Weekend and their annual flower show. If you are looking for a great way to spend Mother’s Day, this could be the perfect choice.

For the first time in many years, the City of San Mateo will be having a Memorial Day Parade! Please see the press release below for more information on this special event in celebration of our war heroes.

Have a happy Mother’s Day!

Til next month...

Joanne Bracco