Ode to Mothers

With Mother’s Day upon us, I’ve been thinking about what my mother has meant to me over the years, and what I’ve meant to my kids. My mom went from being a source of warmth, to a force to be contended with – all the while directing me to what she felt was right. I’ve always loved her, at times feared her … and now, as a mother I’ve become her in many ways – from worrying about my kids, to putting them first, to taking care of them the best way I know how. And they look up to me like I’m some big hero, who they can always count on to save the day. Can’t say I agree with the hero part, but I do try to be there for them any way I can.

When my oldest son was born – after an extremely painful and long delivery – and they placed him on my chest, the first words out of my mouth to greet him were, “I finally get what Jesus meant when He spoke of His love for us, as His body was broken for us.” It was an instant bond. And it was just as strong in the other direction. A case in point: At four weeks of age, when I took him back to my place of work to show him off, he lay there in his stroller and cranked his head as far back as it would go, so he could maintain eye contact with me at all times. A female doctor, who’d turned her husband down when he approached her to have kids, was truly taken by this and said, “My gosh, he’s totally mesmerized by you. He’s looking at you like you’re the only thing in the whole world. … Are you sure he’s a boy? I mean, what man would ever do that for a woman? … If someone can guarantee me a kid like yours, I’m in.” Since then, many others have asked for the same guarantee, since both my sons turned out so amazing. I know you’re probably thinking spoken like a true mom, but I kid you not that everyone truly wonders about them. When I say “I’m blessed and really fortunate”, my kids always say, “It’s the other way around.” While I refuse to take credit for all the hard work they’ve put in to become the amazing young men they are today, I’d be lying if I didn’t admit that being appreciated by them means the world to me! And I’m certain that every mother will agree with that sentiment – all those sacrifices pale in comparison to the joy one feels when their child appreciates them. They could never pay us back for all that we do, but their appreciation more than makes up for it. So to all of you out there, I urge you to take a moment to appreciate your own mother. Even if you have complaints, just remember she probably did her very best, as she hid difficult circumstances from you to protect you.

Don’t wait to visit her

Or to buy her that coat she needs;

Don’t wait to tell her how much you love her

Or how grateful you are for all her loving deeds.

While a child is God’s biggest gift to a mom, a loving mom is one of God’s biggest gifts to His children. Happy Mothers Day!

(Image Courtesy: www.todaysparent.com)

By Rebecca Rosenblat, Psychotherapist, TV & Radio Host, Mother.
At Canadian Café, Rebecca Rosenblat guides how to handle relationships and not just maintain their term but also retain their essence. Rebecca Rosenblat, who is based in Canada, writes for The Sip of Life every month. Her writings can be viewed at http://thesipoflife.com/canadian-cafe/ and she can be contacted at rebecca@thesipoflife.com