By Senator John Thune

Each year in early May we join as a country to celebrate the extraordinary role mothers play in all of our lives. On Sunday, May 13th, children, spouses, parents, and grandchildren will celebrate mothers throughout our country.

Mothers’ ability to offer gentle words of encouragement, wisdom, and strength help shape and mold their children from a young age to well after they have children of their own. Mothers leave an indelible mark of love and joy on the lives of their loved ones.

This year will be an especially reflective Mother’s Day as my mom, Pat Thune, passed away in March. My mother raised five active and healthy children with a smile on her face, notwithstanding the challenges that came her way. My mother exhibited grace and love for her family and left us all better human beings. This Mother’s Day, our family will take comfort in knowing that our mom is with her Heavenly Father.

This Mother’s Day, let us all be sure to tell the mothers in our lives know how much they mean to us. I wish a very happy Mother’s Day to my wife Kimberley and to all of the mothers across South Dakota.

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