I put together this editorial for Mother’s Day with some of my words and those of others who express themselves much more eloquently. Happy Mother’s Day.
———–
Words often fail us when it comes to talking about the concepts of motherhood. Few phrases sum up in a neat package what it all means. For under whatever title — mother, mama, or good ol’ mom — no two are alike.
And nearly all are great in some way.
“A mother is the truest friend we have, when trials heavy and sudden, fall upon us; when adversity takes the place of prosperity; when friends who rejoice with us in our sunshine desert us; when trouble thickens around us, still will she cling to us, and endeavor by her kind precepts and counsels to dissipate the clouds of darkness, and cause peace to return to our hearts.” — Washington Irving, author
Some mothers are great listeners, others persistent advisers. Many are excellent providers of nourishment. One or two can make a good biscuit. Does it really matter if it’s from scratch, a can or just down the road at Biscuitville?
Not really, as long as it arrives with love.
“God could not be everywhere and therefore he made mothers.” — Jewish proverb
Mothers take kids to school, take temperatures and take the time to mend skinned knees and wounded hearts.
With all this taking, it’s easy to forget that they mostly give.
“Mothers hold their children’s hands for a short while, but their hearts forever.” — Unknown
Mom is the original Miss Manners. She develops first fashion statements with new school clothes. She makes it clear what’s right and more importantly what’s definitely wrong.
She combs hair in the morning and draws a bath at night. She asks if you brushed those teeth before bed when she knows good and well it hasn’t been done. And when dad gets a little angry, she makes it right.
“My mother always said, ‘Don’t bother other people.’ I think that’s good advice.” — Amy Sedaris, humorist
She’s the chauffeur for trips to school, soccer practice, music lessons, the store, a friend’s house and to church on Sunday. She’s insistent about a clean room, scrubbed tub and neatly stacked dishes. She cleans the jeans and puts them in the closet with a crease.
Not really necessary, but she does it all the same.
“All mothers are working mothers.” — Unknown
She makes sure that overcoat is buttoned, a cap firmly atop the head. She teaches the girls how to walk and sit like ladies and she wipes away tears before anyone else can see. She gives lessons on how to make chocolate chip cookies and always makes sure to leave a little dough in the bottom of a bowl, just for a taste.
“The heart of a mother is a deep abyss at the bottom of which you will always find forgiveness.” — Honore de Balzac, author
She’s the one who keeps scrapbooks and packs away awards. She encourages when failure seems near and downsizes an ego when it swells too large. She tosses and turns in bed until everyone is safely home for the night. She knows when you’ve been bad or good.
She’s a human lie detector test.
“You can fool some of the people some of the time, but you can’t fool mom.” — Unknown
She’s the one who brings us into the world and advises us to keep on a good path on our own journey onward. When we occasionally wind up in a ditch, she pulls us out. Usually, she asks for doggone little in return. But the debt seems insurmountable.
And there’s no worse feeling than disappointing mom.
“If Mama ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy.” — Ferrell Sims, author
Today is Mother’s Day and we offer this: Thanks to all moms out there. In one way or another, you’re all great.
Reader Comments
Comments are encouraged, but you must follow our User Agreement.