“I have learned that there is more power in a good strong hug than in a thousand meaningful words.” – Ann Hood
My mom and I had a tradition. On my birthday each year I'd send her a handmade piece of jewelry to say thank you for bringing me into the world. Then, on Mother's Day, she'd pick out a coffee mug with the picture of one of the animals I loved on it. The mugs were her way of saying she was glad to be my mom. Over time, she had A LOT of jewelry and I had A LOT of mugs.
When she passed, I decided to start making coffee mugs of my own. I call them "Hug Mugs." They’re my way of passing along some of the love we shared.
My mom and I rarely saw eye to eye about anything but kids (we were both fervent believers in teaching kids kindness). She thought I was nuts for wanting to be a writer. I thought she was nuts for giving up her dream of becoming a women’s basketball coach to marry my father who thought women belonged at home not at work. She thought I’d gone to Japan to indulge my love of travel (I do NOT like to travel). I knew I went to save my life. The list of our many differences was long but we ultimately made our peace. One of my happiest moments was putting my first CritterKin book for kids in her hands. I think she finally understood why I wanted to write.
Here's the link to the latest Hug Mug collection. I hope you find something there that can help you tell your mom how much you love her. https://www.etsy.com/shop/ButtonsandBowsByJena
Copyright 2025 by Jena Ball. All Rights Reserved.
Love the animal mugs Jena! I’ve passed along the link to the store to my brother and sister in law, both of whom own and ride their own horse, and love coffee :). Nice tradition you had with your mom.