When I was growing up, Mother's Day was as important as Christmas.
The energy around the house was always positive(积极的), mostly thanks to my father who made sure that his kids appreciated their mother. We would clean the house, and Mum got breakfast in bed in the morning and didn't have to lift a finger all day.And in the evening, we went to a restaurant for a traditional Mother's Day dinner.
What I learned from my father over the years, was that no matter what, he always put my mother before himself.He absolutely loved her and never let her forget that.And from my parents, I learned a thing or two about how to love.
I maintain(保持) my father's Mother's Day tradition with my wife.Growing up, I learned that showing affection to the woman you love or who gave birth to you is an important part of life.You see, it goes both ways, and the love you have for your mother comes back to you again and again.
Believing that and feeling it when you can may keep you from being lonely, even if your mum isn't close by or has passed away.There are a number of us who no longer have a mother in our lives, and truth be told, there are often times when I wish my mum were still here to comfort me.So instead, I remember the times she did just that.It makes me smile, and somehow, those memories of a more simple and loving life give me the comfort I'm looking for.
My wife's mother is still around, however, and it's great to have that “mother energy” in my life still.Having this relationship with my motherinlaw is nice because it gives me someone to be there for on Mother's Day, and any other day of the year.
If you are mumless, you too should find a deserving woman in your life and celebrate Mother's Day with her.If you don't know anyone, there are plenty of lonely mums in rest homes who would enjoy your company for a couple of hours.The visit will make both of your days, and perhaps your lives, a little bit better.
文章大意：这是一篇科教类阅读。文章主要介绍了在我的成长过程中，母亲节和圣诞节一样重要。
1．What did the author learn from his father?
A．It's necessary to express love to those we love.
B．We should always put others before ourselves.
C．It's important to have an interesting family tradition.
D．Mother's Day is just as important as Christmas.
答案：A
解析：细节理解题。根据第三段“What I learned from my father over the years，was that no matter what，he always put my mother before himself...from my parents，I learned a thing or two about how to love.这些年，我从父亲身上学到的是无论发生什么，他总是先考虑我母亲……从父母身上，我学到了如何去爱”可知作者从父亲身上学到向我们所爱的人表达爱是必要的，故选A。
2．Why does the author value the idea of showing love for one's mother?
A．It can set a good example for kids to follow.
B．It is what mothers expect their children to do.
C．It can warm your mother's heart as well as yours.
D．It's important to follow your father's rules.
答案：C
解析：细节理解题。根据第四段“I learned that showing affection to the woman you love or who gave birth to you is an important part of life.You see, it goes both ways, and the love you have for your mother comes back to you again and again.我明白了对你爱的女人或者生你的女人表达爱意是生活中很重要的一部分。你看，这是双向的，你对母亲的爱会一次又一次地回到你身上”可知作者重视对母亲表达爱的想法是因为它能温暖你和你妈妈的心，故选C。
3．What is the author's advice to someone whose mum has passed away?
A．Give all your attention to your motherinlaw.
B．Try to get used to life without a mum.
C．Turn to other family members for love.
D．Visit lonely mums in rest homes on Mother's Day.
答案：D
解析：推理判断题。根据最后一段“If you don't know anyone, there are plenty of lonely mums in rest homes who would enjoy your company for a couple of hours.The visit will make both of your days, and perhaps your lives, a little bit better.如果你一个人都不认识，那么在养老院有很多孤独的妈妈，她们会很享受和你在一起的几个小时。看望他们将使你们的日子，也许还有你们的生活，好一点”可知作者对母亲去世的人的建议是在母亲节那天去敬老院看望孤独的妈妈们，故选D。
