Every year, around Memorial Day, I always think of my grandfather—he served in World War II, surviving years of combat, and went on to become a successful attorney and family man. I know serving his country affected him deeply. Even now, after he’s passed away, I still think of him as one of my heroes.

This Memorial Day, I’d like to encourage you to think of the loved ones you know who have dedicated their lives in service of their country. Whether they’re in combat or not, they’re devoted to protecting and honoring the United States. It’s not an easy job, and it’s one that requires a lot of support. Behind each person in uniform is a family backing them up. They stay home while the others are out on combat missions or extended training exercises. A military life isn’t an easy one. I’m glad that Care.com, in some small way, is able to provide support for those families and help make their lives a little bit easier.

I want to share this story I received in comment on this blog from Crisa C., a military wife, who wrote to share what the Care.com community has meant to her.

To all our military families, Happy Memorial Day. We’re thinking of you. Thank you for your service.

A couple weeks ago, I had such a great time going to Magic 106.7’s Exceptional Women event, where they honored Care.com and me last year. It was such a privilege to be back among amazing women who share their inspirational stories. 

This year, they honored Melinda Doolittle, the third-place finisher on American Idol’s sixth season, as this year’s “Rising Star,” and I was so excited to meet her. I was blown away not only by her voice, but by how down-to-earth, loving, and committed she was to her mother—she sang her a very personal and tender song during the event that brought tears to many people’s eyes. Melinda was my Care Hero for that day!

I am an Operations Analyst—I spend a majority of my time supporting the Member Care Team with information.

My wife Faith and I live in Milford, a town in central Massachusetts.

My favorite book is probably The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas.  I read an abridged version when in elementary school, and the actual book when I was in high school.  It might be the greatest revenge story of all time! (and of course, the recent movie did not do justice to the story). I’ll throw in a second book, my favorite as a child, The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein. I’ll be honest with you, the story still brings a tear to my eye—that tree was all about selfless love.

Favorite movie is a tough question—I am embarrassed to say how much time I have spent debating how to respond. To choose, I put around 20 movies into an Excel spreadsheet (I’m an analyst) and randomly sorted the titles to select a winner. So, for this questionnaire: The Natural is my favorite movie; and fitting as the baseball season is just beginning. Robert Redford modeled the swing of Ted Williams as the main character Roy Hobbs, a ballplayer who was the “best that ever was.” The great soundtrack during the climactic last at-bat creates a truly “goose bumps” moment.

I am not sure if there is a name for people who do this, but it drives me bananas.  People who drive down a highway lane that is being closed for construction until then very end, then force themselves into the lane backed-up with people who have been in the correct lane since several big orange signs told them to move-over, miles ago. A similar action can take place at check-out registers in a store. An example: One line forms for two adjacent registers at a retail store, someone walks by everyone waiting in line and stands right behind the person being serviced at one of the registers, as if there is no line. Bananas!

When I was twelve-years-old I was an avid pogo-sticker. Please hold your teasing. One day during the summer, I decided I was going to try and break the World Record for consecutive pogo stick jumps, which I believe at the time was more than 100,000 jumps. As it was an impulse idea, I did not have a counting device other than my head. I wish I could share a successful ending, but it was hot that day and I became bored with the counting.  

I served as a babysitter for years. I am the oldest of five kids, so I certainly did my share of watching the siblings. I also made a few extra dollars after school and during the summer watching two ‘tween sisters a couple of days a week, as well as some younger boys in the neighborhood when needed. I don’t have a particular story that jumps out—I enjoyed being able to be outside with the kids, playing sports or hiking through the woods. It was about having fun and maybe teaching them something, or at least tiring them out.

I think Care Gigs would be the right spot for me, I enjoy helping people with projects and errands. I have fun being handy and doing things around the house, I like to plan and organize events, and I actually don’t mind shopping. 

 

I enjoy relaxing and having a good conversation with friends and family.  

I was at a team-building event last week and one of the things we talked about was how our parents influenced us. It made me think about how much I’ve learned from my mom. In celebration of Mother’s Day, here’s a little something about my mother, Amelia.  

I’m thankful that she imparted her confidence, assertiveness and compassion to her children. My mom was a busy entrepreneur and, by the time she was 23 years old, she also was juggling care for six kids. She sacrificed so much for us to pursue our education and our dreams. Although she may have a tough exterior, she truly has such a soft spot—especially for her kids and grandkids. Thanks Mama, and I love you!

To celebrate Mother’s Day, a few members of the Care.com Team wanted to chime in and offer their own special mom stories. Here they are... I hope you’ll add your own! 

I love my mom because, like most moms, she's made a lifetime of just being there for the whole family. She's always been a boundless fount of love and self-sacrifice for her family. It's all the little things—like the countless trips to Friendly's for milk shakes and French fries when I was the last one at home waiting to start elementary school and had to endure too many boring trips to the mall. And it’s the bigger things—like supporting us in our various life decisions even when she thought we were crazy (think stint as backcountry ranger in Alaska dodging grizzlies). I love my mom for these reasons and for her deep faith, her great sense of humor, and her love of music which she engendered in her kids. Happy Mother's Day, Mom. You are the best. – Michael D. 

My mom is special because she is there when I need her. She is nice to me and everyone else. Today, whatever I am is because of her. – Gaurav S.

Why do I love my mom? Well there’s the absolutely amazing stuff. Like when my brother and I were kids, she worked nights so that she could always be there for us during the day. As an adult, I appreciate the countless unspoken lessons she taught me that can never be learned in a classroom. Food should always be made with love and shared. There’s nothing as wonderful as the sight of a blooming garden (especially one you created). A home is always open and welcoming. There are so many others, and I am so grateful to my mom for showing me what’s important in life. – Rekha M.

My mom showed me every day (and still does) what it means to love someone else constantly and unconditionally. She put her professional life on hold for the family, becoming a homeschooling “domestic engineer” for 15 years. Whenever we went shopping, she bought clothes for the us before she’d even try something on for herself. She’s worn every hat imaginable: tireless chef, Band-Aid-giver-outer, imparter of wisdom, shoulder to cry on, and someone who’s challenged and inspired me more than anyone else… I love you, Mom! – Mike N. 

I love my mom for all the reasons a kid loves their mom. The sacrifices, devotion, and lessons she taught me are things I will forever be grateful for and will pass on to my children. But my mom is also a beautiful woman (I feel proud when people say I look like her) and friend. She can always cheer me up with her bright smile, cute Italian accent, and home-cooked meals.

She also gives great manicures, lets me borrow her imported shoes, and is always the first one out on the dance floor! Mom, thanks for everything… especially the cooking lessons, shoes, and great genes. – Sabrina M.

Please share with us what your own mother is like and how you like to celebrate this day with her. From all of us at Care.com, Happy Mother’s Day!

(And if you're looking for a fun gift idea, or if you're a mom and want to drop a hint, check out these fun Mother's Day coupons from Care.com.)