"You Are My Sunshine"
Get a glimpse of my street's fun Mother's Day traditions since 2017!
Every Mother’s Day since 2014, it has been tradition to gather the neighborhood kids, and sing “You Are My Sunshine” to the moms and grandmas.
See below for a snapshot of our talented singers throughout the years (2017 - 2024):
The lyrics are so pure and sweet.
Spring Fling at Arden Courts
“You Are My Sunshine” is a song inspired from the times I used to volunteer at Arden Courts, which is an assisted-living memory care facility for those with Alzheimer’s and dementia.
When I was in middle school, a group of us would organize a festive extravaganza called the Spring Fling for the residents.
We would coordinate Bingo and bean bag tosses, decorate with colorful streamers and balloons and put up a talent show.
The talent show was especially fun. While my peers sang, danced and performed, the residents would clap, laugh and sing along. I love humans sometimes.
In my last Spring Fling extravaganza, I recall learning how to play “You Are My Sunshine” on the keyboard so my friend, Samie, could use her dulcet voice to sing during the talent show.
I will never forget the warmth I felt that day. It is a song that I affiliate with love.
Mother’s Days on Chilton Way
Now, now. I know the neighborhood kids and I aren’t exactly blessed with a talent in singing. But hey, it’s all done in love.
Often times, on Mother’s Day, we try to send the moms of the street on a fun day-out, where they can shop, enjoy fresh air at the park, etc.
While the moms would have their fun, we would get together to cook a meal for 40+ people (ex. sandwiches and soup, Mexican food, etc).
Last year, it was so funny. We had an assembly line of kids ranging from age 6 to in their late 20s, just helping to prepare a Mother’s Day meal.
One person was chopping lettuce, another was chopping tomatoes. One person was preparing the beans, another was making guacamole. Team work makes the dream work!
The dads often help to set up tables and chairs, serve food and drinks, etc.
The best part is that it makes all the moms and grandmas on my street happy.
It makes me really happy too. I’m hoping to continue our Mother’s Day traditions onward throughout the years.
As always, folks — continue to viva la vida and be enomorada de la vida. Thanks for tuning in!
Until next time,
Shivin la vida <3