Today is Mothers Day, and we join people everywhere in honoring mothers on this special days.

There are cynics who complain that this is a holiday pumped up by the florist and greeting card industries, but we ask you: Is there anyone more deserving of flowers, fancy cards and a special day than mothers?

Mothers spend the rest of the year loving and caring for and worrying about their children, even if those children are 50 or 60 years old and well established in the world. Are they getting enough to eat? Are they getting enough sleep? Are they healthy? Are they happy?

We hear about a mother’s “unconditional love.” Mothers never get fed up with us when we mess up. They are always the first to forgive, the one with the strongest belief in the good we are capable of doing.

They are also our biggest fans, our most loyal cheerleaders. Whatever we accomplish is outstanding. Who else will drive a child to practices and games and then post their successses on Facebook or Twitter?

Mothers are the first line of defense against sickness. Who else can make a sick child feel better than a mother?

There are few sacrifices a mother won’t make for her child. So on this one day of the year, pay her the honor she deserves. A nice card and some flowers are the least you can do. Let her know you love her and appreciate her for everything she does for you.