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"My mother always said, life was like a box of chocolates, you never know what you're gonna get." - Forest Gump (Tom Hanks)
Just a little something about the women in your lives - whether they are your mom or not!
Mother’s Day is Sunday. Recently, I've read several articles on the Internet portraying Mother’s Day as self-serving and even boring. The authors were mothers. Tell me it ain’t so!
I believe that many, many women, whether they have children or not, have attributes often used to describe motherhood – loving, nurturing, caring, compassionate, and wise.
Until I was 45 (when I gained a wonderful bonus-son), I went through many a childless Mother's Day and endured countless baby showers. Yes, it is difficult to be child-free on those occasions, especially when the subjects of childbirth pains and breast-feeding dominate the conversation. Spell A-W-K-W-A-R-D.
Once upon a time, as I was having my own personal childless Mother’s Day pity party, my sweet mama reminded me that - I was, of course, a mother. I questioned her statement, so she asked me to explain what I did every day at work as a teacher. I stared at her strangely, for she knew darn well what I did.
I thought about the question and realized the answers: I ask my "kids" (students) about their interests; I ask how they feel; I sympathize with some and laugh with others; I dry tears and shed a few; I find lost items before, during, and after the school day; I try to make them feel better when they are ill; I accept and give hugs; I lift up their spirits and confidence.
After contemplating my answers, I realized that Mama was right - I am a Mother. I also realized those same answers applied not only to my students at school, but to my nieces, nephews, my friends' children, and my pets. Oh yes!
Thanks to Mama, I rarely felt left out, jealous, bitter, or sad on Mother's Day. In fact, I love Mother's Day. I love my mother and remember with joy her last Mother's Day when she turned 100 (the same day!)
Happy Mother's Day to all those women who care for others - regardless in what capacity! Mothers or not, and no matter what your occupation, your age, or your life situation – you are a strong example to those who love you.
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