In this post I want to cover two things related to Mother's Day.
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'm one of those people who had two Moms , my Mom and my step Mom. My Mom passed away at age 59. I had my Mom for about 35 years. My step Mom passed away in 2005. I had her for 30 years.
Although both women were very different when it came to personality, they were both good Moms for the times they had us. My Mom was an influence, guide and support for my younger life. My step Mom was a very astute lady when it came to dealing with adult children.
So it's a time of remembrance when I look back and take time to appreciate what was done for me and how I was influenced to be what I am today.
Tomorrow, I will be celebrating with my wife and remembering the huge contribution she made to our children's lives.
I also thank and remember my grand children's mother.
So Happy Mother's Day to the active Mom's in my family and thanks for the good times and memories of my Mom and step Mom.
My Mom in 1964 with her first grandchild.
Happy Mothers' Day to all Moms and in particular those Moms who follow my blog. On this day I hope you find appreciation, admiration and love from those you care so much about. I also hope a few treats and kind treatment are thrown in to your day.
I am fortunate to have had two Moms. I had my Mom for 34 years and one month. I had my step mom for 30 years and 5 months so it was close to 65 years. I can say that I was fortunate.
My Mom was born in 1914 and died in 1973 at age 59. My Mom had a very hard life as she married a farmer and she was not from the farm. The farm was primitive so water came from rain barrels in the summer and blocks of snow which melted in a barrel beside the stove in the winter. Clothes washing was a difficult and long chore. The little house they had was cold. To complicate matters she had three children in two years and two months. There are many things my Mom did for us because she loved us . Mom usually read to us before we went to bed. The four of us would snuggle into the bed and be completely engrossed in the story she read. When she was finished we went off to bed. My interest in birds comes from my Mom. Yes, she got angry once in a while and freaked out but then most people do. My Mom cared very much about us after we left the house. When she got daughter in laws she welcomed them to her family and was proud of them. Grand children were a bonus to her.
I got my step mom in 1975 and she died in 2005. We were adults when we met her and had an adult relationship with her. She did care for us and welcomed the grand children. She was very astute as when my Dad was nearing nursing care she talked to his four sons and had us on her side. Then she could say to my Dad, "The boys say..." It worked like a charm.
So I feel fortunate that I had two Moms who first of all put up with me and also loved and cared about me.
I had been thinking about a Mothers Day post but I got behind. Now I know that's a really lame excuse but I admit it.
I really decided not to post when I read my friend Ted's super post "My Mom." He said things extremely well and covered the Mom topic broadly. He also wrote from the male point of view. It's an excellent post so I'm recommending that you read it.
Ted is an excellent everything...writer, teacher, dad, husband, friend, story teller....Our school hired Ted when he graduated and he was a golden hire. I enjoyed teaching with him and have watched with pleasure as he has blossomed in his career. So make sure you take a look at Ted's blog.
