Mothers come in all shapes and sizes, from different backgrounds, cultures and upbringings, but their hearts are all the same – compassionate, caring and nurturing. Some do this regimentally, others sentimentally, compassionately or even resentfully. Some women don’t seem to be doing it at all – and yet, in their own way, we know that they are.
Like Dinah of the “Red Tent”, I too have had many ‘mothers’ - aunts, grandmothers and their friends who, in some way, have made me who I am today. These genuine women taught me the art of baking, the joy of reading, the importance of endurance, kindness and generosity and making the effort – especially for family celebrations.
Women have a knack of getting things done – especially when they’re in groups. I am encouraged, strengthened and motivated when I see their enthusiasm, feel their energy, feed off their laughter and watch the job get done – whether it’s making soup and sandwiches for the hungry, tea and cake for the bereaved, baby-clothes for the hospital or teaching little-ones in Sunday school or Catechism.
Women like to be in groups where they draw strength from one another, have a friend to talk to who will listen, can teach us something new or add to what we have already learned. As a mother I have drawn from the wells of mom-to-mom friends, sewing circles, book-clubs and writing groups. I have drawn strength from support-groups, short courses, seminars and conferences. Now as a grandmother I share with others who knit, read and write, many who are younger women keen to learn, build-up their skills and rekindle traditions that women have passed on, generation after generation.
On Mother’s Day this year, let’s celebrate the gift of Motherhood, the privilege of having babies and nurturing the next generation. Share with those not yet lucky enough to be mothers or those who have lost babies, children or grandchildren. Help them to heal the hurt they hide by excluding themselves. A gentle word of encouragement is all that it takes to remind us that we are all born of the same mother!
