The power of love - Gratitude, soul food served at Mother's Day brunch

Motherhood is no small feat for women who take on its mantle. Harsh economic times, a society with declining morals and a lack of parenting principles help to make it one of society's most difficult roles.

Gratitude inspired Tina Smart to treat her mother,, Loraine Nunes, at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel's Mother's Day brunch yesterday.

Smart is the third of 13 children for Nunes and has made the brunch an annual event. The affair was teeming with families and provided a warm and hearty atmosphere where corporate pitches blend seamlessly with laughter and old stories.

"She's very important to me; I don't know what I would do without her," says Smart, her smiling mother within earshot.

Smart believes that the day is very relevant and dismisses comments that like Christmas, Mother's Day is too commercial.

"I agree that Mother's Day should be celebrated every day, but I like the fact that there is a special day for mothers."

invaluable support

Smart, who is pregnant, became animated when she spoke of her mother.

"Her support is invaluable; she helps me with my son and has always been there for me. I don't think I could ask for more."

Her young son, Tiandre, shouted, "And she can cook!" His comment sent three generations of family into laughter.

"Take care of your kids and make sure you send them to school," said Nunes, offering up her lessons of motherhood. For her, the day was beautiful, but melancholic thoughts of her own mother came readily to mind; it has been 15 years since her passing.

"I miss my mom and always remember her on Mother's Day. I remember growing up around 15, 16 and everything that she did for me."

The afternoon's entertainment featured Dwight Richards and Friends who drummed up a classic cabaret set that was reminiscent of a 1960s session.

Songstress Maria Myrie belted out favourites like Marcia Griffith's I Feel Like Dancing and Bunny Wailer's Dreamland.

I Feel Like Dancing was especially potent since many of the more mature mothers jumped to their feet at the sound of the rhythm, transported to another time and place.

Legendary jazz saxophonist Dean Fraser also performed in his usual easy style and pleased both mature and younger mothers with his version of Tarrus Riley's Far Away.

Surprised mothers were also given an on-the-spot fashion audition and participated in an interactive fashion show. The afternoon's emcee, Norma Brown-Bell, handed out baskets and other gifts from corporate sponsors Facey Commodities, GraceKennedy, Sangster's Book Stores, Jamaica Rum Cream and Nestlé.