WESTSIDE — Friday was the much anticipated royal wedding and the world eagerly watched as two young Britons took their vows and a “commoner” became a duchess.

I didn’t get up at 4 a.m. as some did, but I watched some of the coverage later in the day. There’s a certain fascination with all the pomp and pageantry for, after all, most young ladies have played at being princesses in their childhood days. I got in the spirit somewhat as I baked a batch of wild cranberryscones and sipped a cup of stout Scottish breakfast tea.

There’s an event this weekend that’s of far more interest to me. Saturday is the date for the running of the 137th Kentucky Derby. The population of Louisville, Ky., swells each year on the first Saturday in May as “Derby Fever” affects more than 100,000 people. Ladies don their best hats and fans flock through the gates of the twin spires at Churchill Downs for the race that many have calledthe “most exciting two minutes in sports.”

Jim and I were in Louisville in June, 2001, for son Joe’s graduation from Army National Guard basic training at Fort Knox. We had a free afternoon during our visit and Jim asked me if I would rather tour the Louisville Slugger Museum or the Kentucky Derby Museum. My reaction was, “Are you kidding? What kind of question is that?” I’m such a horse lover he should have known my choice would automatically be the Derby Museum.

I enjoyed the museum, viewing the many exhibits in the display cases, and even found an Arkansas connection - a trophy from the Arkansas Derby won by a horse who went on to win the Run for the Roses.

Another attraction was a simulated race where it seemed I was actually on horseback and riding down the track. After making the rounds in the museum we went next door to Churchill Downs.

We were not there on Derby Day but there was a certain excitement in walking across the infield where many fans gather for the big race. Throughout the Derby’s history, it has seen as much action as the track. In 1910 Kentucky’s first flight took off and landed in the 40-acre field. During World War I the field was used to grow and harvest potatoes to raise money for the Red Cross, and during World War II Sherman tanks were tested there.

Later we were allowed to stand in the coveted grandstand seats where horse owners gather to watch their favorites compete.

Yes, I’ll be watching on Saturday as the trumpets play “My Old Kentucky Home” and the horses prance onto the track.

But Sunday brings a holiday of greater importance to everyone, the day we honor our dear mothers. We owe so much to that lovely lady who brought us into the world and did her best to meet our every need. She was right there to pick us up when we fell as youngsters and continued to cushion the blows and heal our hurts in later life.

I feel fortunate to have a good Christian mother whose faith and love for her family were a shining example. She and my father taught us lastingvalues which were a wonderful foundation and helped shape the persons we are today. They did not just tell us, but showed us, the standard they expected from their children. Their hard work and devotion to each other inspired us to strive to succeed at whatever we tried.

Don’t forget to visit your mother Sunday, give her a call and/or send a card or flowers. If she’s like my mom, she’s made many sacrifices for her children but with absolutely no regrets. She placed us first and nothing we do can properly thank her, but it’s rewarding to try.

Susan Holland, who works for the Westside Eagle Observer, is a lifelong Benton County resident.

Opinion, Pages 6 on 05/04/2011