That special allocated day in May is this Sunday, May 11th. It’s a day set aside to celebrate the woman who gave you life, unconditional love, support, offered advice you didn’t want, and discipline you rejected.
As you regularly hear, you only have one mother. As children we know she is the person we run to when we are hurt, ill or experience the negative in life. She is the foundation of all families in good and bad times.
As we grow older, we oftentimes clash with our mothers on many levels like choice of friends, dress and music, but like a beacon she remains your guiding light throughout your life.
Most daughters eventually become mothers, and we continue down the same path of trying to be a positive role model for our children, and because we are human, we sometimes fail in that role.
You do become your mom as many eventually learn. You may hear her voice, guidance, and yes, unfairness when you speak to your child. You may shake your head as deja vu sets in and you hear your mother’s voice in you.
Your mother’s teachings will remain in your life, because they are fundamental and wise. Your earlier clashing with mom eventually subsides and instead turn into friendship.
Know that most moms everywhere didn’t take Mom 101 on how to be a great mom. She often learned as she grew older. Moms do the best they can to make us happy. I do recall as a child crying and throwing a tantrum because my mother could not afford a new outfit. Instead, she offered me two lessons in life. She said ” You should be ashamed crying because you can’t get a new dress. Do you know that our neighbor can’t walk.” A lesson in humility. She followed up by altering an older sister’s dress to fulfill that unconditional love. A lesson in love and resourcefulness.
Mothers play many roles, like the role of teacher, dad, nurse, cook, counselor, referee, in an effort to make our life better. You may remember the sad things in life, but the bulk of ours were a life of dedication and effort to make us happy.
On a personal level, I’m not the perfect mom and neither is any woman, but remember this, there is a special day for moms who love you beyond measure, made mistakes along the way, raised their voice and often embarrassed you, pinched your arm in Church for misbehaving, and although you didn’t know it, protected you all of your life.
Also know that we were proud of you when you found an expensive item someone had lost, and you found the owner, proud of you when you escorted a disabled young girl to a prom event and so proud of your balanced nature. Most of all proud of the way you’ve raised an incredibly good son.
We see our life’s work on display when we experience your integrity in school by standing up for others, and yes, for calling your teacher a Chauvinist because he remarked why a young girl knew so much about sports, or later in life standing up for your beliefs. We see your loyalty and generosity shine and so proud always doing the right thing.
On this special day moms are celebrated because of you, our life’s dedication, our children.
Happy Mother’s Day!
