Happy Mother's Day!

     In honour of Mother's Day, I have been contemplating some, thoughts I have, regarding being a Mom. One of the notions I've been considering is this: the fact that, as different as we all can be, we do have, at least, ONE thing in common...we...ALL of us... each have a Mother. Obviously, we have each had a 'birth-Mother', whether she be the one to raise us, or not; but, our, Mom is the woman who has dedicated herself to raise us, keep us safe, love us unconditionally, and, prepare us for the world. And, if we've been VERY fortunate, in our lives, we've had a woman, such, as this, to care for us. The mere, act of childbirth, does not a mother make; for, almost, any, woman can bear a child, but, not all women can dedicate their, entre, existence to the betterment of her charges, or, wear the ‘uniform’ of Motherhood, well. Oprah Winfrey has been quoted as saying, ‘Biology is the least of what makes someone a mother.’ Motherhood, although, not a ‘perfect-science’, is, in fact, a perfect ‘art-form’, consisting of the ability to multi-task, in a manner one might never imagine, until she takes on that role. ‘Motherhood is a great honor, and, privilege, yet, it is also, synonymous with servant-hood. Every day, women are called upon to selflessly meet the needs of their families. Whether they are awake at night nursing a baby, spending their time and money on less-than-grateful teenagers, or preparing meals, moms, continually, put others before themselves.’This, a quote by Charles Stanley. Motherhood requires a dedication that is steadfast and untiring. ‘The natural state of motherhood is unselfish. When you become a mother, you are no longer the center of your own universe. You relinquish that position to your children.’ So, says Jessica Lange. It seems that, although, we may, disappoint our mothers, along the way, over the course of our lives, they always love us, no matter what, and, do so, completely, and, unconditionally. Unlike others, in our lives, who may anger at our behaviours, or, even hold a grudge, or, two, mothers seem able to supersede these emotions, to the greatest, degree. In the words of Honore’ de Balzac,‘The heart of a mother is a deep abyss at the bottom of which you will always find forgiveness.’ Motherhood consists of an, exquisite mix of emotions, demanding an, array of feelings to deal with. Some, like, love, are wonderfully, positive, and, more, easily, displayed, as are acceptance, desire, hope, interest, and, joy. Then, there are, those other feelings, which exist, when dealing with raising children, that are a, bit, less, welcome, such as angst, courage, fear, grief, pain, panic, and, sorrow. Motherhood demands complex human responses, from a mother, but, an, even, greater, ability to cope with those of her family. It is a fine, balancing, act, to be a good, mother. Jill Churchill states, that, ‘There is no perfect way to be a mother, and a million ways to be a good one.’ Motherhood is all, encompassing, and, changes the life of a woman in ways she could not imagine, until she experiences it, firsthand. Once a mother…always, a mother, is how I feel, since, embarking on my own, career, of Motherhood, as there is no ‘retirement’ from this position; and, regardless, their age, or, geographical, location, children are ALWAYS in the hearts of their mothers. Margaret Culkin Banning, once said, of mothers, ‘She never quite leaves her children at home, even when she doesn’t take them along.’ Some of us are, still, fortunate, to have our mothers and, we can, but, only imagine our lives without them. Others of us, already, know that loss, and, it is one I cannot contemplate.. I can conjure no words that will be of much, consequence or, even, consolation to any of you, who, grieve over the loss of your Mother; yet, I do know, in the deepest, recesses of my soul, that she is happy, and, at peace, and, that she has taken each of you, along, with her, in her heart, as she embarks on her, new, journey. As Robert Browning said, ‘Motherhood: All love begins and ends there. For, those of you, whose Moms are no longer with us , to you, this, loving tribute. M ~ is for the Memories that we’ll treasure…O~for how Often we’ll think of you…T~is for your Touch, so warm and tender…H~ the Hugs and kisses we’ll miss, too…E~ for Every day you’re missed, so greatly…R~ for Remembering, Always…You…Put this all together, it spells, Mother, Our Love for You will, forever, remain, True… Just Sayin'...