Mother's Day 2016
The love of a Mama just can't be overstated; the tear-inducing tenderness, the fierceness, the totality of that love is unique in all the world. We live (and would die) for our children till they're ready to live for themselves...then we watch from afar, chewing our nails down to the quick over their choices and challenges. We hurt 222for them when they hurt, our hearts soar when they accomplish things that make them proud, and we swear total destruction to anyone foolish enough to break their hearts or betray their trust. There's really no one else quite like a mother.
From the moment those precious little bundles are put in our arms, to the moment we have to let them go learn to fly, they are our biggest joy, the source of 99% of our deepest fears, the reason we laugh, cry, experience moments of profound astonishment, frustration, pride, disappointment; they're why we learn the art of scolding and simultaneously covering those little faces with kisses.
To our children, we can be the source of their safety, and their fear. "I'm telling your Mother!" strikes dread in their hearts of children everywhere, and "I'm telling my Mama!" are the strongest magic words to strike fear in the hearts of those who trifle with them. They depend on us for everything...food, warmth, security, love...until it's time for them to provide those things for themselves. And even when they're far away, with busy lives of their own, when they're sad, or scared, or hurt...it's Mama they want, and Mama they need. Our children know that Mama can go without sleep, without food, without the things she needs or wants, to provide them with everything they need...and most of what they want. I don't know of another bond that's so completely all-encompassing and unconditional.
On Sunday, May 8, 2016, Mothers everywhere will receive flowers, phone calls, cards, gifts, love and recognition of just how much they mean to their children. It's a tradition dating back to 1914, the year Woodrow Wilson signed a proclamation marking the first Sunday in May as Mother's Day, and making it a national holiday.
Mother's Day is a time to show your Mom that you care about her, respect and cherish her. Sure, you could do a car or diamonds or a trip (showoff!), but for most of us, the gifts are usually not quite that grandiose. I'd rather have a card or a small, thoughtful gift and a call; I love to get to spend time with my little loves, listen to how their lives are going, and know that they carved the time out of their busy schedules just to visit with me. The gifts are nice...but the time...oh, you just can't beat that.
I've had the honor of knowing lots of amazing Mamas in my life...from my own Mama, to my friends who accomplish the most amazing, daunting tasks to take care of and provide for their children, to my own daughters. Each is special and unique and delightful in her own way. I've stood in awe of each of them as they battle the monsters, slay the dragons, fix the boo-boos, calm the storms and persevere even when they want nothing more than to just get ten minutes alone.
Don't forget to give some love to your Mama this year, and share the joy and love with the other Mamas in your life who are the glue in the fabric of society.
Happy Mother's Day to all the Mamas out there. Beautiful, strong, inspiring and dedicated...yes, you are all of that and so, so much more.
