Anna Jarvis of Philadelphia, whose mother had organized women’s groups to promote friendship and health, originated Mother’s Day. 

On May 12, 1907, she held a memorial service at her late mother’s church in Grafton, West Virginia. Within five years virtually every state was observing the day, and in 1914 U.S. Pres. Woodrow Wilson made it a national holiday.

 Mother’s Day 2023 is this Sunday and in honor of the holiday, we the Patriot thought we’d reach out to a local woman who recently had her first child.

Marlena Spiegeler gave birth to a son 15 weeks ago (Jan. 21) and she and her husband, Erik, named him Jack Erik Spiegeler.

“We just liked the name Jack,” Marlena said. “His middle name is Erik after my husband. Erik’s middle name is also his dad’s name.”

Though their home is growing with their new addition (Jack) and their two dogs, Bentley and Hoka, the Spiegelers hope to expand their household with another kid or two in the future.

“I always said I wanted 2.5 kids and my husband two so hopefully 2-3,” she says. “We are enjoying every moment with Jack right now.”

The Spiegelers currently live in Orrock Twp. and Marlena is the “M” in G&M Outdoor Services (“G” is her brother Garret’s initial, both owners.) Erik works as a Construction Supervisor at Telcom Construction.

Marlena says the easiest thing after having a child is the love and dedication she and her husband devote to their son’s future and their familys’ future.

“His (Jack’s) smile melts away any troubles or challenges that we may face with sleepless nights, teething, or feeding troubles.

Marlena and Erik know they don’t have to do it all by themselves as that is what grandparents are for.

“Jack’s grandparents play such a special role in his life,” she says. “He goes to ‘GMA care’ two days a week with my mom and two days a week with Erik’s mom while we are working.” 

Marlena says Jack’s pictures are a favorite in the family group chats. 

“Watching our siblings become aunts and uncles has been very special and has strengthened our relationships with them,” she adds.

What’s one thing she’d like to say to any prospective mother out there who is awaiting their first child?

“Your life will be completely changed for the better,” Marlena says. “You will become the most selfless version of yourself with a smile on your face and probably a yawn from the sleep exhaustion.”

Marlena plans to spend her first Mother’s Day with her husband and son, going to a local greenhouse to get perennials to plant for their porch. 

“(Being a mother) is more special than I ever could have expected,” she said. “It has given me a new love for my husband and our new family of three. It comes with its challenge of balancing being a working mom, wife, daughter, and friend.”

Happy Mother’s Day!