Mother’s Day is a significant day of the year for both mothers and children, which calls for a grand celebration. Mothers are selflessly dedicated to our survival and they deserve all our love, respect and attention.

Even though a day in a year isn't enough to honour these incredible humans in our lives, Mother’s Day is an excellent opportunity to express our gratitude for their contribution to our families, communities and society.     

Despite different countries celebrating the day on May 8, others do celebrate it on May 10. 

The New Times caught up with a number of people who shared different messages dedicated to their mothers.

Winny Uwimbabazi, a student, says that a mother should be celebrated every day and not necessarily on this particular day alone, adding that Mother’s day serves the purpose of awaking and reminding those that rarely recognise the strength and sacrifices of their mothers.

"Mama, you are my biggest inspiration and influence. I appreciate you for everything you have done to support me, and for making me the woman I am today,” Uwimbabazi said in appreciation of her mother.

Life doesn’t come with a manual; it comes with a mother, says Peter Nsabimana, a resident of Gasabo district. 

"I wish my mother an everlasting life, as she continues doing what she does best by making sure we are safe wherever we may be,” he says.

Nsabimana calls his mother a hero and says he will always be grateful to have her. 

"I love you mama.”

Rosine Mushimiye, a resident in Kigali, dedicates a powerful prayer to her late mother, who she says did a lot to make sure she is safe; even now as she believes her mother is in heaven.

She is of no doubt that everything good that happens in her life, till now is due to her mother’s prayers. "My mother’s prayers always keep me going,” she says.

"Mom, you have been the most outstanding woman in my life and you will always be my all-time favourite! I promise to do all it takes to be the woman you have always wanted me to be.  Have a very happy Mother’s Day in heaven.”

Bertrand Munyemana, a teacher believes that this day is the right time to do all that you wish to do for your mother and remind her how much you love her.

He appreciates both his mother and the mother of his children for the amazing work they do daily. 

"Growing up, I don’t think I realised just how much you did to keep our day-to-day life so smooth. Now that I’m grown up, I am in awe of everything you did for us, which makes me admire you all the more. Thank you for making my childhood such a special one! I love you Mama,” Munyemana shares.

Ashley Kamanzi, a businesswoman, says she is grateful that God has kept her mother alive till today. She goes on to say that, ‘though I have a lot planned for her, nothing can never be good compared to all she does for us.”

Kamanzi extends her comfort message to other mothers; those who lost their mothers, those raising children alone, and those abandoned by their children.

She shared this special message for her mother: "Happy Mother’s day my love, my happiness, I love you to the moon and back. Without you, life would be more difficult than it is now! I pray that you keep being by my side for eternity.”

According to Clovis Nabayo, an artist, a mother’s embrace is more comforting than any other’s.

"Happy Mother’s day mama, thank you for always taking care of us even when it wasn’t easy. If I wrote down all the reasons I love you, it would take up a whole book! I love you so much, I promise never to disappoint you,” Nabayo expresses feelings for his mother. 

Mother’s day is observed in more than 46 countries world-wide, and the celebration has long been a part of human history.

March or May are the common months for the celebration. Rwanda celebrates the day on the second Sunday of May, each year, in spite of exclusive nations marking the holiday on other exclusive dates.