OUR STRONG MOTHERS

                                      

The experience of a young mother in Meadow Lake taught me much about life. It was a sunny Sunday afternoon on my hospital rounds. She had her newborn (second child) on the bed in front of her crossed legs. In the brief moments she observed, looking at her newborn, “My Mother always said she could die for her children.” Then lifting her finger in the air, she added, “Now, I understand!”

 

As we mark Mother’s Day this weekend, we need to pay attention to the mystery that is motherhood. Each mother has her own story. Each one has the mystery we must try to appreciate. Everyone needs to give thanksgiving for their own mother, and give thanksgiving for all her dedication, and, thanksgiving for her deficiencies.

 

When I read the history of our prairie provinces, I always feel that the stories of the brave and determined women are not told. They were women who were determined to survive but also that their families would thrive. How many of these women gave courage to their husbands, their children (of various ages) and the community at large when the Dirty Thirties hit? How many brave and industrious women managed to put food on the table, educate their children and nourish the life of the larger community? 

 

And survived without complaining or morphing into self-pity? What resilience!

 

Today, we need to hear the stories of brave mothers who are single-handedly raising their children, working a part-time job, trying to go to school to upgrade and getting the children off to day care early every morning. Where are the stories of these brave mothers?

 

And where are the stories of the brave grandmothers who are in their mid-fifties who step up to raise a grandchild that is about to be taken from its mother because of severe drug addiction? What do we have to say about this grandmother starting  child-rearing all over again? What courage is exhibited here?

 

And what of the mothers who make great sacrifices, financial and emotionally, to try to get their addicted son (he may be in his mid-thirties) into a drug rehabilitation program?  What commitment do we experience here?

 

There is so much we do not understand about motherhood. We need this Mother’s Day to reflect and embrace the mystery of motherhood. We need to embrace the mystery, the love and dedication of our own mother. Hopefully each year we will gain a better understanding of this ever-so-human a mystery.

 

This Sunday, just thank God for the gift of your mother. Just dance with joy that you have been so loved.