GREEN BAY, Wis. (NBC 26) -- According to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, as of May 7th, just over 36 percent of Wisconsinites have been fully vaccinated. For many families that are vaccinated, Mother's Day could be much different than it was last year. Some will likely consider having company for the occasion, which could look different than it did a year ago.
Mom's across Wisconsin found themselves in an unusual situation last Mother's Day. Many of them discovered that it wasn't possible for all of their kids to break bread with them on their special day. Sharon Harper of Green Bay says she felt fortunate to be able to have some of her children over for a small gathering but understands that wasn't an option for others.
"I think about the people in the nursing homes who couldn't be with their kids. So, I was blessed in a way. But it was sad because we couldn't all get together like we usually do," says Harper.
And with another Mother's Day nearly upon, local doctors say mothers should have something to smile about.
"This Mother's Day hopefully will be much more exciting than last year," says Dr. Brad Burmeister an Emergency Physician at Bellin Health.
Doctor Burmeister says the CDC is starting to loosen some of its guidelines. For the upcoming holiday, the CDC details how, vaccinated people can meet with both vaccinated and non-vaccinated households without masks, but with limitations.
"For people that are fully vaccinated, if you're getting together with one other household the CDC currently is saying that you can go without a face mask. Or if one household is vaccinated and the other household is not, and that other household doesn't have anyone who would be at risk for severe COVID-19, then also those people could go mask-less," says Dr. Burmeister.
So, whether you're meeting mom virtually for her special day once again or you have the luxury of seeing her in person, keep in mind most moms think your time with them is a gift in itself.
"Spend time with each other, the presents and gifts and all that is fine, but the most important thing is love on each other, that's what I say," adds Harper who is optimistic about larger family gatherings down the road.
