Mother’s Day 2026
For many of us, our moms are really special people. The one who is always there when we need her, ready to pick up the phone at a moment’s notice. Moms are kind, nurturing, and warm. Mom is often a big part of who we are, she influences aspects of our personality and passes down family genes. Some of the sweetest parts of who we are were first borrowed from mom. It might be the deep color of our eyes, the way we instinctively reach for someone’s hand when they’re hurting, or the laugh we swore we’d never inherit. Mom shapes us in ways that are both visible and invisible, leaving traces of herself in our lives. There is evidence of her in our gestures, traditions, and the way we love the people around us. This year, in honor of Mother’s Day, we asked our staff to reflect on those little inheritances from Mom and share why they are special.
“One thing I hope I’ve inherited from my mom is how selfless she is. Growing up the majority of my childhood with a single parent, I have seen how hardworking she is. Putting everyone before herself and making sure that I was always happy and taken care of. My mom is always willing to help no matter the circumstances and will never be satisfied with an average outcome, only above and beyond, and truthfully, I get that from her.” – Bryce, Libertyville Cafe
“My mom definitely had a role in giving me curly hair, and somehow in the gene mix, mine got more defined and loopy! My mom loves to nag me about this, but I wouldn’t change a thing about it! This is especially unique for me because my sister has pin-straight hair that cannot hold curl.” – Maya, Highwood Café
“From the earliest I can remember, my mom is happy to be involved in everything, and often in charge of some part of something. My mom is both a natural and unintentional leader in so many ways. She likes to know what needs to be done and is great at seeing it through with as many hands to help as possible. I know I inherited her ability to lead and guide others with kindness. I am so grateful she taught me to not shy away from confidence and how to embrace growth opportunities. My own desire to take on challenges and find as many ways to be involved will always be something I attribute to my mom.” – Mel, Libertyville Café
“I inherited my mom’s long eyelashes, and growing up multiracial, that always felt especially meaningful to me. When we were in China, people would compliment them, and it became one of those little traits that made me feel unmistakably like my mother’s son.” – Stefan, Co-owner
“In all honesty, I don’t feel I’ve inherited many physical traits from my mom. As a kid, I always wished I had her bright blonde hair and deep blue eyes. Instead, I inherited dark brown hair and hazel eyes from my dad’s side of the family. But in recent years, I’ve begun to notice the personality traits my mom has passed down to me. One of which being my love to celebrate little things. All throughout my childhood, my mom was the maker of magical things – special Christmas traditions, birthday surprises, and making mundane days extraordinary. I see that now in my own life, wanting to celebrate the tiny moments and add extra whimsy to my life. I’m grateful for a mom who loves her life and taught me how to live that way.” – Marissa, Libertyville Café
“When I was younger, like many others, my mom and I butted heads a little more often than I’d like to admit. Knowing it was just a product of my teenage angst, she always brushed it off, and still does, as us being “too similar”. Admittedly, back then, I never saw the similarities between us — any of them. Her hair was curly, mine was straight. I was girly, she wasn’t. She was calm and collected, I was ✨not✨. Now, as a fully conscious adult, she’s my best friend, and our similarities are more than evident. Yes, there’s the obvious: I have grown to look more and more like her every day (despite the lack of curls), but more than anything else, she was right: we are the same at our cores. How I carry myself, how I handle conflict, how I treat others, my independence — it’s all because of her. From her selflessness and strength to her ongoing resilience, she puts everyone before herself, and I hope to be half the woman she is one day!” - Rachel, Marketing Operations
Marissa Cummings
On staff at our Libertyville café, Marissa loves befriending customers and making the perfect cup of coffee. When not behind the bar, she is usually exploring new coffee shops, curled up with a good mystery book and a warm miel in hand.