At Gary and Mary West PACE, Mother’s Day is more than a holiday—it’s a beautiful opportunity to honor the women whose strength, wisdom, and love have shaped generations. Many of the mothers in our care have overcome great obstacles, raised families with limited resources, and poured their lives into others. We are privileged to serve them, learn from them, and celebrate them every day.
This May, our San Marcos center is filled with joy and connection as we host our annual Mother’s Day Tea, flower-arranging workshops, and memory-sharing activities. These special events give our participants a chance to reflect on their journey as mothers—and the mothers who inspired them.
“Our participants are some of the most resilient and selfless women I’ve ever met,” shares Renata Smith, Executive Director of Gary and Mary West PACE. “They’ve cared for families, communities, and now, in this season of life, we get to care for them. Mother’s Day gives us a chance to say ‘thank you’ in a meaningful way.”
One of our participants often speaks about raising five children while working as a seamstress. “We didn’t have much money, but we had love,” she says, proudly. “My children still come to me for advice. I must have done something right!” Stories like this echo throughout our center—each one a thread in the fabric of our PACE family.
Participants also enjoy honoring their own mothers and maternal figures through memory-sharing projects. During our “Legacy Garden” art activity, individuals wrote heartfelt notes to their mothers, grandmothers, and children on handmade paper flowers, which were then displayed in our day center as a colorful tribute.
“There’s something so powerful about storytelling and remembering,” says Mary Jurgensen, Community Engagement Director. “Our participants light up when they talk about their moms, or their own experience raising families. These stories bring connection, purpose, and pride—and they remind all of us what really matters.”
We also honor the dedicated mothers on our staff, who balance caregiving roles at home with their deep commitment to our participants. Their compassion and energy help create the welcoming, family-like environment West PACE is known for.
Mother’s Day at West PACE is not just a celebration—it’s an acknowledgment of legacy. Whether our participants are biological mothers, stepmothers, or maternal figures in their communities, each one has nurtured life in her own way. They continue to share that spirit with peers, staff, and volunteers every day.
As we sip tea and share laughter, memories, and a few tears, we pause to say: thank you, mothers of West PACE. Your strength inspires us. Your stories move us. Your love continues to shape our world.
Happy Mother’s Day from all of us at Gary and Mary West PACE
