DEAR ABBY: What is the significance of wearing a single carnation on Mother's Day? -- FLOWER CHILD
DEAR CHILD: A red carnation is worn to signify that one's mother is living. A white carnation signifies that one's mother is deceased.
There should also be an identifying flower worn by those mothers who chose motherhood by rearing a foster child or stepchild.
And a special place in heaven awaits those mothers who choose a physically or mentally challenged child, knowing that he or she has not only special needs, but also requires a super abundance of love, understanding and patience.
Happy Mother's Day!