Q: One of the biggest challenges my brothers and I face for Mother's Day is organizing a great holiday to celebrate Mom and all the lovely things she's done for us throughout our lives.

We couldn't have asked for a more caring and loving mother, and we want to do our best to honor her. We especially want to do a great job after losing our dad three years ago. His loss is always on her mind, and we'd like to raise her spirits.

We have the small problem of not agreeing on what we think she would like best. Our primary goals are to plan a great day that will be happy, memorable and loving.

Can you share some options for us to make that day one of her best ever?

A: Mothers have a special role in their children's lives, and most families look forward to spending Mother's Day celebrating them and their contributions.

Families often become so involved planning the day that they forget to ask the guest of honor what she would like most.

Don't make that mistake — open the conversation and ask her.

If she suggests you surprise her, consider treating her to breakfast in bed or at a restaurant. Then, take her to one of her favorite activities. Consider going shopping with the whole family at her favorite store. You can finish with another meal or dessert.

End the day by taking a family photo. Have it enlarged and framed for a loving, memorable treat! — Doug

NO WORRIES

Q: I've reached the point where I realize I'm not getting any younger, but I know I want to have the best life I can while I'm still around. I've seen a lot of seniors who are frustrated by the way their lives have gone.

What's your best advice for me to avoid regrets later in life?

A: When you ask seniors about their biggest regrets, you often are surprised to hear their answers. Although we may imagine them regretting major life mistakes or tragedies, a pervasive thing you'll hear is slightly different: They regret all the time they've spent worrying.

Instead, look at your life and pay attention to the things that weigh on your mind. We all have many things that require our attention — bills, family, health, friendships, etc.

Think about the emotional effort these all take from you, and then think about how you can lessen the cumulative toll. We often can't control outside factors, so focus on changes that you can affect.

When you encounter something that bothers you (for example, a health issue like hearing loss), don't spend your time getting frustrated about how you'd like for things to be different. For your own happiness, learn to accept the things that you cannot change.

In life, laughter is often the best solution. Learn to have a positive attitude, and look for reasons to be happy rather than spending time worrying. — Emma, Doug's granddaughter

Doug Mayberry makes the most of life in a Southern California retirement community. Contact him at [email protected]. Emma, Doug's granddaughter, helps write this column. To find out more about Doug Mayberry and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.