Mothers Day Memories And Other Stories
When I was younger and mothers day was approaching, I always asked my mom why such an occasion is celebrated. Why dont we have a childrens day for ourselves? I remember asking. She always replied with a smile to my innocent queries. But with that particular question, she gave an answer that I will never forget, one which would linger in my adult life and help me in my own brushes with parenthood. Its because, she said with that all too familiar smile, everyday is childrens day. Whats one day for a mommy like me?
Mothers are always associated with wisdom. After all, it takes so much of such a virtue to raise us to become independent adults. One false move could reduce us to ruins. The fact that were here, right now, enjoying a good life for ourselves, is testament to how well our mothers have raised us.
Throughout the years, tales of mothers and their extraordinary courage and strength have become a source of inspiration for anyone who gets to hear about the same. They say that there is no greater love than that of a mothers for her child, and there is no stronger bond than the relationship between the same parties.
One of the most recognizable statues in the world is Michelangelos Pieta, the image o a mother carrying the body of her wounded adult child. This masterpiece, of course, is inspired by the biblical retelling of Mary and Jesus, right after the latter was laid down to the ground after days of being crucified on the cross. For a lot of people, Catholics and non-Catholics alike, this masterpiece perfectly encapsulates the love of a mother for her child, and the terrible grief that a mother would have when she loses her son.
Josephine Baker, an Illinois resident in the early 20th century, is a famous mother of another variety. She didnt have children of her own. But she and her husband adopted 12 children from all over the world, making their house a global village of sorts. Her story is testament to the fact that a mothers love transcends blood relations and pregnancy difficulties.
A mothers love is also evident in the face of immense suffering.
When European territories were liberated from Nazi rule way back in World War II, burned houses were searched. In some of them were found charred bodies of their resident. And in more than one occasion, the scorched remains of mothers clutching their children greeted the Allied soldiers eyes.
Whether in joy or in sorrow, in happy times or in tragic fates, a mothers love shines through the times to give light to this world. It may be as gallant a stand as the tales you have read above, or it may be as simple as preparing food for their children to feast upon, or helping them with some difficult homework for school, or even patching up a hole that was torn on their childrens shirts but the fact remains that mothers are the universal inspiration of our times. The symbol of life is a mother. The symbol of deep grief is a mother. The symbol of unconditional love is a mother.
And with mothers day fast approaching, it is but appropriate to show our appreciation for the women who made our lives possible. Without them, we would never exist. Without their love, we would have never survived.
Mothers day comes but once every year. And though they may claim that everyday is our day, perhaps it is time to show them that everyday we have is dedicated to them.
March 31st, 2007 at 4:17 am
nice site