Mother's Day is Sunday, a day to honor the women who gave us life, cared for us or nurtured us throughout our lives.

We wanted to give our readers a chance to let the world know how much their moms mean to them.

Following are our readers' odes to Mom.

Mother, Farmer, Friend

Barbara Aldrich has only one creed:

to give herself daily to others in need.

She feels she is blessed to keep helping us farm.

We know we are blessed to have her for a mom.

She mothers, grandmothers, and walks a long mile

to visit the lonely and offer her smile.

Janet L. Aldrich of Laurens

My Mother-Shirley Elliott

Teacher, Counselor, Cook,

Housekeeper, Doctor, Babysitter,

Quilter, Artist, Writer, Reader,

Camper, Secretary, Cashier,

Candy Maker, Operator, Volunteer,

Selfless, Tireless, Fearless,

Kind, Fun, Close,

Sagittarius, Religious, Gracious,

Forgiving, Caring, Loving, Daring,

Navigator, Girlfriend,

Daughter, Sister, Wife,

Grandmother, Aunt, Sister-in-Law,

Mother-in-Law

Not Just My Mother.

Anne Killian-Russo of Cooperstown

My mother, Helen Davis

Back in the day my Mom who is Finnish was quite the dish.

A guy could only wish!

She repurposed recycled and reused before it was approved.

I only now realize her kind advice was always sound and right.

There is no other like my precious Mother.

Barbara Stephenson of Cooperstown

My mother is a kind and generous woman. My mother would drop anything to help my family. My mother is a wonderful grandmother, making her grandchildren the center of her world. We couldn't survive without her. Thank you, Lovey, we love you! Happy Mother's Day!

Susan Gillette of Oneonta

Ode to Mom

Working her fingers to the bone.

She made our house into a home.

When our day begins to fray.

Mom is always there to pray.

Just to see her children smile,

Mom will walk the extra mile.

More than a Mother, she's also my friend,

On her I can depend.

Elaine McKee of Unadilla

Fifty words is not enough to tell you how wonderful my mother was. She had the patience of a saint, cared for seven children, loved our father, was a good cook, sang songs to us, an all around good person, and happy to be home.

Verla J. Laymon of Cherry Valley

My mother, a poor immigrant from Germany, taught me by example to be kind to others and to help others in need. She saved my invalid daughter from being institutionalized when I became physically unable to care for her. I still say the German prayer she taught me.

Louise Bechtold of Sidney

I love the characteristics of my mom that were given to me. Secondly, I love my mother's personality. I also like my mom's smiles and laugh. They make me feel warm and happy. Finally her good attitude toward things makes me a good person. She is a role model for me.

Christina Simpson of Oneonta

What made you so great was your love for our family. You were kind, understanding, and giving.

After dad died when we were very young you brought us up the way he would have wanted. You made many sacrifices for us.

Your children and grandchildren will always love you.

William G. Agnew of Norwich

A mom is someone who has unconditional love. Is always there, good or bad, through thick and thin. No matter what. My mom is an example of all this and more. I'm not able to tell my mom how extraordinary she is or how lucky I am to have her.

Kayla Marie Roe of Milford

I appreciate my mother for how she takes good care of me and for the lifetime love. I also appreciate all the things that she has bought me. I love my mom a lot. She is the kind of person I can always count on! Thank you, mom, for everything.

Crystal Capps of Oneonta

My Mom, Carolyn Bell De Ridder of Springfield Center

My MOM, who birthed five.

Strived beyond her desires of success

Lives her life through her children

Always putting them first

You deserve so much Mom!

But what can I give you?

I know...

I'll make YOU proud MOM;I'll do it with zest!

Whatever it takes MOM;I've learned from the best.

Heather Johnson of Utica

Always There

Childhood scrapes gently cleansed by caring hands, mom, who was always there. Childhood days, rushing home for cooking delights, celebrating accomplishments, Tearing over failures, encouraged by mom's loving arms, who was always there. When gently her last breath she took, I knew she still was and always would be there.

Linda Kulp of Oneonta

My mom is great because she cares about me. She is always there for me. When I need help my mom knows what to do. I know my mom loves me. She buys food and clothing for the family and me. That's why my mom is great.

Kenny Clark of Oneonta

Dear Mommy,

You're the best mom in the world and I love you so much. I think you are so pretty and beautiful. I love the presents you get me. I love the way you take care of me and love me.

Love, Colin

and

Dear Nanny,

I love you a lot. You are very beautiful. Also very kind to me. You make me smile and laugh. I am a very lucky boy. Hug and kisses always.

Love your No. 1 grandson, Colin

Colin Lenihan, 5, of Otego

Dear Gail,

You are a very good-hearted, loving, kind person. I am very proud to have you as a mother-in-law. I could not have asked for a better one. I love you with all my heart and soul.

Love your daughter-in-law.

and

Dear Mom,

You are and were the most warm hearted, loving, gentle soul a daughter could ever ask for. I sure miss you a lot. I wish you were here with me. Until we meet again one day lots of hugs and kisses.

Love your daughter forever

Denise Lenihan of Otego

When we think of Aulis Waters we remember her great faith in God and how she looked for the good in others. She led her life by example. We miss her humor, wisdom, strength. We were so blessed to have her in our lives and the world was a better place because she was here.

Kathy Miller of Milford and the rest of the family of Aulis Waters

My mom was from Laurens most of her life. She helped so many over the years. Also worked out and raised her children after my father was taken sick and couldn't work anymore. She never said no to anyone whom needed anything. She took many ladies for their appts. and to the store after she had retired when they needed to go. She babysat quite a few children in the town. Including her grandchildren and great-grandkids. She was Grandma Hill to so many through her years. She was the best anyone could have wanted to know. She went to chuch was always there to help out with their dinners. Baking or cooking serving or what ever was needed. Now she spends her time with the good Lord watching down on us left behind. We sure do miss her being with us on holidays.

Mom we love you and miss you every day. Happy Mother's Day to You

Jean M. Fink of West Laurens

Doris Amelia Bishop-Travis the best momma ever! She was born a twin "Butternut" in Gilbertsville some 81 years ago. She loved and raised six children, believing in each of us. Her love was endless, her energy too. She taught us that nothing beat a failure by a try. She had this million-dollar smile that melted the hearts of those around her, this smile ceased on Nov. 10, 2011. Here we are, our first year, to face Mother's Day without our loving Momma. So if you're blessed enough to still have your mom; give her an extra hug today from all of us six Travis kids from Michigan. Smile on in heaven Momma. We Love You! Happy Mothers Day!

R. Sue Haron (Travis) of Lexington, Mich.