No matter who we are, where we were born, or what paths we've walked—one truth connects us all: we came into this world through a mother.
Some of us are blessed with mothers who have nurtured and guided us with love. Others have more complicated relationships. And for some, the ones we call "Mother" may not be tied to us by blood, but by heart. Whether she raised you, mentored you, listened when no one else did, or simply loved you without condition—she deserves to be honored.
Mother’s Day is not just a holiday. It’s a chance to say, “I see you. I thank you. I love you.” Whether you're blessed to be near your mother or living miles—or even oceans—apart, life has a way of moving fast. Maybe you’re in another city, or working abroad, and the days have flown by. Suddenly, you realize Mother’s Day is right around the corner. But even if time has snuck up on you, there’s still a beautiful opportunity to do something meaningful—something that shows your mother just how much you love her, how often you think of her, and how deeply you appreciate all she’s done to bring you into this world.
If you’re looking for a last-minute gift that carries real emotion, legacy, and soul, I’d love to recommend something from my heart to yours:
Aretha Cool: The Intimate Portraits – a deeply personal book featuring the Queen of Soul during the final decade of her life, including her last official portrait session.
But this year, you can give your mother more than just a book. You can give her an experience.
Along with the book, give your mother a special Spotify playlist—the exact music I played for Aretha during each of our studio sessions. These are the songs she loved, the ones that brought out her light, and yes—she often sang along as I photographed her. Imagine your mother holding the book in her hands, flipping through each page while hearing Aretha’s voice sing the very songs that filled the room during those unforgettable moments.
It’s more than a gift. It’s a story. A feeling. A memory in the making.
👉🏾 Order Aretha Cool now on Amazon – now over 50% off in honor of Mother’s Day and Black Music Month.
A son giving his mother Aretha Cool: The Intimate Portraits
Whether you're celebrating your own mother, honoring a woman who’s like a mother, or remembering someone who shaped your life in quiet, powerful ways—this is a gift that speaks to the soul.
Let this be the year you say, “You are unforgettable,” with a gift that touches the heart and brings music, memory, and legacy into her hands.
With love,
Matthew Jordan Smith