It’s Mother’s Day. I’m writing this while in bed at 8:50 AM. I can’t remember the last time I was still in bed at this time of day. Is it my husband who is hard at work to make this happen for me? Nope, he’s sleeping soundly beside me. This lovely morning is brought to me courtesy of my mother, who is clearly the finest mother who has ever graced this Earth.
If my mother is the standard by which I’m to be measured as a mother, well, let’s just say that it’s a good thing I firmly believe that motherhood is not a competition.
What is clear to me from my mother’s example is that motherhood does not end when one’s children have grown. It simply changes. Somehow, one day I will need to let go enough to allow my children to create their own lives and families. I’ll need to sit back and watch them flourish, make mistakes, suffer heartaches, and flounder. I’ll need to allow all of this but still be nearby enough to catch them should they fall. Thanks, Mom, for your support, the the room to grow you’ve given me, and for the safety net I know is there.
Perhaps the reward for all the hard work we put in while in the trenches of child rearing is Grandmotherhood. Here’s where a mother can become a hero while witnessing the universe provide her children with their just desserts. Is there any one of us who hasn’t wistfully thought of the day when our rotten kids have rotten kids of their own? When that day comes, we can choose to swoop in and save the day like a proper superhero. Finally, our children will recognize our endless hard work on their behalf! Finally we will have children at our disposal to spoil and lavish with love, and then give back to their parents! Thank you, Mom, for being the kind of grandmother that you are. You’re so devoted to my kids and helpful to me.
Happy Mother’s Day to all you moms out there, especially mine who has given me too may precious gifts to number, including this peaceful morning. May all of your children be happy, quiet, and oddly obedient today!
