Celebrating Mothers

Mother's Day has arrived once again. Although it is wonderful to have a special day set aside to recognize mothers, and those who fill the role of mother for many, I believe we should celebrate motherhood every day. All over the world mothers are the nurturers of children, and their role in shaping who these children become is invaluable. Here are just some of the things that come to mind when I think of a mother's role:
  • Feeding, bathing and making their children feel safe and secure as infants and toddlers.
  • Reading bedtime stories when they are too young to read themselves.
  • Sitting at the table to help them with their homework.
  • Staying up late to make sure the laundry is done so they have clean clothes to wear.
  • Packing lunches for school (with all the things they like).
  • Working long days, and even though they're exhausted, coming home to prepare dinner.
  • Volunteering in their children's classrooms or for field trips.
  • Coaching sports to teach kids how to be a part of a team.
  • Being a Girl Scout, or Boy Scout, troop leader.
  • Sitting and comforting them when they have their first broken heart (not letting them know your heart is broken too).
  • Teaching them to stand tall and proud in the face of adversity.
  • Letting them know that even if they may falter and fail, at least they had the courage to try.
  • Showing them by example to treat others as they want to be treated.
  • Reminding them to count their blessings for everything they have; many others they will meet are not as fortunate.
  • Crying behind closed doors when they break your heart (and they will) because deep down you know they didn't really mean what they said. They are only rebelling against the restraints that you put on them for their safety.
  • Teaching them kindness, respect and compassion.
  • Instilling in them the importance of being a contributing member of their community.
For these reasons, and the multitude of others too numerous to list, mothers need to be celebrated every day.

Children may not always recognize the need to celebrate their mothers as they go through childhood and adolescence. Eventually, when they become parents, they truly recognize what their mothers have done for them. Somewhere in between being a busy parent, and your mother aging, you just might be lucky enough to spend time together, get reacquainted and become great friends. A very precious gift to be cherished, for there will come a day when there will be no more time.

On Mother's Day, I feel very fortunate to have time to spend with my mother and my daughters. We have reached that wonderful place where we are also friends, and I look forward to celebrating motherhood with them. I am honored to be a part of this special bond that brings women together.


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