I wanted to ask a question about Mother's Day instead of posting about Mothers. I thought it wouldn't be cool to get off topic so I omitted this idea. So here it comes. When I was a child in the 1940's and 50's, I don't remember a major observance of Mother's Day. I knew about Mother's Day but we did nothing about it. I think we made cards in school for our mothers but that's all. So am I right that we put much more stress on Mother's Day today?
Now some comments in my previous post require some response. Some people commented that I am nice (thanks) and my mothers have been an influence. This is very true. My mother worked under extenuating circumstances to get some sense into our heads. I must admit that it took a long time for my mother's influence to emerge in my life. I was a little square peg. I didn't fit well. Sometimes I was very frustrated. The world of the 40's and 50's was very black and white. I didn't see a black and white world. I envisioned a society where all worked together. Again , frustration was added to my life.
I was rebellious , but I hope not in an offensive way. When I finished I high school I left home. I still didn't like to see extreme views that excluded others but I didn't know what to do about it..
It wasn't until my 40's that I got things together and realized that the square peg could lead a very satisfactory and successful life without bending to the extremes. My life changed.
In teaching, there were many little people with tears and the least I could do would be to not offend any more. So showing some empathy to those hurting got lots of practice. I learned that you couldn't ignore those who need comfort and support. Empathizing and supporting people carried over to my adult life. Personal growth took place. I was rewarded with the satisfaction of helping others. I was open to listening to people in a nonjudgmental way.
So I learned things from my Mom but it took a long time to sink in and practise in my daily life.
I believe Mother's Day originally was supposed to be centered around a written sentiment or poem about your Mother. It wasn't meant to be a another commercial sales day:)
ReplyDeleteSo you are a square peg kinda guy. That is just perfect!
I like people that are not like everyone else:)
Commercialism took over Mother's day.
DeleteRed you are a remarkable man, I admire you for what you've done, who you are and your genuine kind heartedness. In today's society it's becoming rarer and rarer to find people who truly connect and are empathetic to others plights. I agree with Far Side, some things in our society, most things, are about making that almighty dollar and often the true meaning is left out and replaced with things. The happiest I am is when we all come together as a family unit and share our love and laughter, this money cannot buy.
ReplyDeleteHave yourself a wonderful week, it's looking like we're going to get some amazing weather all week long finally!
Thankyou! Be careful with the compliments. they could go to my head. You are in a helping area. We get so much for ourselves by helping others.
DeleteI just wish I could settle. I'm getting too old to be a square peg.
ReplyDeleteNever! Never give up. The world needs people who think outside the box.
DeleteA very heart-warming post Red. I recall Mothering Sunday as a child but I think the more commercial Mothers' Day came later. I always tried to make it home for Mothering Sunday/Mothers' Day (bearing in mind that from the mid '70s I lived the other end of the country from my parents.
ReplyDeleteWhen I asked the question I wondered if we were the only family who didn't make a big deal over mother's day.
DeleteThe world needs some rebels too, so change can come about. It's difficult to be a little different when you're young but you grow into over time and realize it's not such a bad thing.
ReplyDeleteMaybe that's what happened to me...I grew into it. I like that.
DeleteOn Mother's Day, my Dad and us kids would make my Mum breakfast and Dad would clean the house and also make supper. That was about it. Also, we would make home made cards or draw a picture on paper for Mum telling her how wonderful she was. It, like everything else has become an outta whack commercial thing - I like the simple celebration myself. I am not an ordinary person myself Red and I like that "square peg" kinda person. ha,ha I love a difference in people. Have a wonderful day
ReplyDeleteBeing a little off ordinary is a great way to be. Somebody has to shake things up once in a while. I really wanted to ask the question about Mother's day to find out if we just didn't make a big deal over Mother's day and everybody else did.
DeleteSometimes our parents gave us a part of life we didn't realize was there until later years
ReplyDeleteGood point!
DeleteI agree with Far Side: I like people who are not like everyone else, and you fit that perfectly. You're a very good person and that doesn't just happen, someone taught you. :-)
ReplyDeleteThe groups you participate in are certainly people who can march to their own tune and still help others.
DeleteMy mother always said that Mother's Day was just thought up by the greeting card people and she took little stock in it.
ReplyDeleteYour tribute to both your moms had so much more depth than a hearts and flowers card.
Your Mother had a good perspective on things.
Deletebut i believe your waves of kindness have spread far - and continue to here. :)
ReplyDeleteI hope so. Everybody gains when we work together.
DeleteWe don't see things about ourselves from our parents (or beyond them) until we either start getting on in years, or in my case, find them through the process of therapy. I'm still trying to live up to the example my mother set. At her funeral one of her friends described her to me as a saint. I don't think anyone will ever say that of me.
ReplyDeleteOthers see our parents in us. You're right the older we get the more like our parents we become.
DeleteWell, for me, caring and remembering mothers should be a full time job:)
ReplyDeleteThat would go a long way to making better world.
DeleteFor years we celebrated my mother's birthday on May 10th, but a few years ago she admitted it actually fell on the 9th. I asked why we'd been celebrating it on the wrong day and she explained that when we were kids her birthday and Mother's Day fell on the same day so they were celebrated together.. Since Mother's Day is always on a Sunday, and May 9th is not, this doesn't make any sense.
ReplyDeleteShe new that she wanted two separate special days like everybody else.
DeleteWhen I was growing up in England, Mother's Day was recognized but not to the degree it is today. My mother was happy with a very simple bunch of daffodils that we bought after saving our pocket money. I'm sure Dad helped out there too :) I don't remember giving cards, the daffies were enough for my mum, it was the thought behind them and we kids got our reward with her smiles and praise. She loved them. Anyhow, that was the tradition in our family. It sounds like you always thought outside of the box which is a good thing. We have to find our own path and sometimes it takes us a while, but our mothers certainly set down those foundations, to be remembered as we get older and wiser. My humble opinion anyhow, just one. A real nice post Red, I enjoyed it very much.
ReplyDeleteI think the things you did for your Mom were much more meaningful as you remember the reaction you got. My Mom could always pick out the underdog.
DeleteHi Red, Regardless of the shape of the peg, I sure like the blog you publish.
ReplyDeleteWell, thank you. somebody has to stick up for old retired teachers.
DeleteVery well-written Red!!
ReplyDeleteI think it just looks like people are putting more accent on celebrating mother's day because it became more obvious in the presence of internet plus there are many cool ways to greet them :)
ReplyDeleteI started understanding my mom more when I actually left home. Now, I do appreciate her & what she was when I was younger.