While it may not be possible this year to visit with family on Mother’s Day due to COVID-19 social distancing and travel restrictions, celebrations are still possible. Leaders at the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID) share their Mother’s Day wishes and plans…
Patricia (Patsy) A. Stinchfield, RN, MS, CPNP, CIC, NFID Vice President, Children’s Minnesota: This year’s celebration of Mother’s Day will be difficult for everyone. For me, not being allowed to visit my own mom in an assisted living facility has been one of the hardest parts of the pandemic. We will be creative in sharing cards and flowers while “distance socializing.” As a mom, being able to hug my kids and granddaughter will need to wait to keep all of us safe. In times of crisis, people lean on moms for strength and wisdom. We need to take care of ourselves so we can take care of others.
Remember the children’s book quote: “What’s the best thing about storms? That they end!” This too will end, but for now being guided by science for safety is our gift.
—Patsy Stinchfield, NFID Vice President
H. Keipp B. Talbot, MD, MPH, NFID Secretary, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine: Mother’s Day will definitely be different as our visits will be virtual, but it will be much more meaningful. This pandemic has made me appreciate my family more and take each day as a gift. I am ever grateful that my children have both their grandmothers (and mom) this year. Take a moment to be patient with your family and to enjoy some time together!
Cynthia G. Whitney, MD, MPH, NFID Director, Global Health Institute, Emory University: My message for others this Mother’s Day is to give your mother, and the ones she loves, the gift of health by making sure they have all their recommended vaccines. With COVID-19, doing everything to prevent illnesses is more important than ever.
Patricia N. Whitley-Williams, MD, NFID President-Elect, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School: We should take time especially on this Mother’s Day to acknowledge mothers everywhere. Many have become ‘substitute’ teachers during this pandemic. They are preparing additional meals since children are now homeschooling. Many are still working inside and outside the home. How much more can we ask a mother to do? So give mothers a big cheer, a big (virtual) hug, and lots of love as they keep their families together and engaged, yet safe during this pandemic.
William Schaffner, MD, NFID Medical Director, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine: Many healthcare professionals are fortunate enough to still have living mothers, many are mothers, many are married to mothers, and, of course, healthcare professionals provide medical care for mothers. We healthcare professionals need to make sure that we are appropriately and completely vaccinated in order to protect ourselves and to protect all those around us—with a special emphasis on mothers on this occasion (BTW, guess what I’ll say on Father’s Day?)
Marla Dalton, PE, CAE, NFID Executive Director and CEO: Love in the time of COVID-19… Mother’s Day is a day in which we honor some of the most important people in the world—our mothers. Celebrations this year will certainly present challenges but also opportunities to be creative. Whether you are in quarantine, affected by travel restrictions, or simply thinking about keeping mom safe, most of us will not be able to celebrate their mothers in person on Mother’s Day this year but can still connect virtually by video/phone and by sending cards and gifts by mail. Cheers to all the moms working hard to keep their families safe and healthy!
Play the NFID self-care COVID-19 bingo game with your family and share the creative ways you plan to celebrate Mother’s Day in the comments below.
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