Entry #289863, added on 05-10-04 @ 11:13 pm EDT
Entry Access Restriction: None.
| My-10: Motherhood | Entry #289863 |
I can’t get yesterday out of my mind. Being a mother, I do appreciate the fuss that is made over one of the most natural things a woman can be. However, I’ve always felt it was an over-rated celebration to appease the guilt of those who ignore or take advantage of their moms during the rest of the year. Whatever the motivation, the day does honor motherhood and so overall, that can’t be a bad thing.
Having my parents as neighbors is a definite perk on the holidays. The sense of family is as natural as breathing with them so near and I feel a return to my childhood nurtured by their unconditional love. Mom and Dad are accepting of all my foolishness and have been real troopers during my major life transitions this year and throughout my life. They give me the space I need to succeed and yet are at my beck and call when I stumble and need their backup. They were born to be parents.
I, on the other hand, sometimes struggle with parenthood. I don’t exactly rule with an iron fist and my sons know this. They don’t ever have to call me “Ma’am”, just “Mom”. They will put their lives on the line for me if necessary, and in fact, have been known to do so. I’m not into the traditional aspects of parenting, since I believe my job is to offer guidance not judgment. On occasion, that philosophy has left mud on my face. Most often, it’s made me proud of my young men. Yesterday, was just such a day.
The morning found us exchanging gifts, cards and greetings. After which, we honored Dad’s Blessed Virgin Mary statue with a crown of red roses from the garden and a prayer from our hearts. After all, she is the Mother of all Mothers. Soon enough, my youngest son and I packed up the car and headed to the city to visit my oldest son and his family and to welcome Zoe into the world.
Along the way, a drive by the old neighborhood in Lakeview granted renewal in a most surprising way. The empty lot that was once my childhood home, has evolved into something quite different. It is now destined to become a new home and was at a state of construction that allowed me to walk through spaces which were once my home. The surreal aspects of standing in the same space that you grew up in are indescribable. So many memories…..so much love.
Finally, we arrived at Brian’s home. He’s beaming with enthusiasm and love for his family. Zoe is this gentle, calm energy that seems to have many of our family’s physical traits. She is a direct contrast to her 14 month old brother who makes his presence known immediately. My daughter-in-law went on to explain that Zoe hardly made a sound when she was born, or even since then. Holding her was a calming experience for me. I definitely need more of that in my life and will be anxious to re-visit those feelings again really soon.
Having my sons, two grandchildren, and both of my parents on this day has been a real blessing, and one I will never forget. Guess I'm going to have to rethink the meaning of Mother's Day.
|
© Copyright 2004 Celestial (UN: celestial at Writing.Com). All rights reserved.
Celestial has granted Writing.Com, its affiliates and its syndicates non-exclusive rights to display this work.
|
Log In To Leave Feedback
Static Items
Books
Forums
Groups
Interactive Stories
Audio
Campfire Creatives
Community Notes
Crossword Puzzles
Documents
Folders
Images
In & Outs
Madlibs
Photo Albums
Polls
Product Reviews
Quizzes
Survey Forms
Web Pages
Word Searches
