Motherhood
Since this is the month of May and Mother’s Day is May 14th, I decided to choose Motherhood as my topic in line with Mother’s Day.
Becoming a mother has been the most generous blessing God has given to me, and one I share with so many women. “Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from Him.” Psalm 127:3 (NIV)
“The definition of motherhood is the state of being a mother. A person enters motherhood when they become a mother which commonly happens whether their child is born, but also may happen through adoption or becoming a partner to someone with children.” Dictionary.com
Growing up in Iowa, Mother’s Day was a very special celebration in my home. We not only honored my mother but also my two grandmothers. We made this day very special, beginning with Mass and each mother was given a beautiful corsage. We continued the celebration throughout the day making all three mothers feel very pampered and special. My mother and grandmothers were great examples of very strong, religious, and nurturing women.
My mom was my best friend all through my childhood and adulthood. We spoke everyday even when we lived in different states. She was my friend, my counselor, and my teacher. When my mother was stricken with cancer, I held such deep admiration for her courage, strength, and faith and all the while she continued to teach me how to follow Christ. “As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you. Isaiah 66:13 (NIV).
My husband and I have been blessed with three beautiful children (one son, two daughters) who have also given us five wonderful grandchildren and one great-grandson. We raised our family primarily in Yankton, South Dakota before moving to Arizona. We were fortunate to have the opportunity to raise our family in a small town, where life was simpler, safer and overall, a wonderful time. Yankton is like Mayberry RFD. We lived in a neighborhood that had thirty-nine (39) children all between the ages of 1-18. The kids would go outside after breakfast and play until lunch, back out until supper and then, go out and play Starlight –Star-bright with the neighbors and run collecting fireflies at night. The girls would play Barbie dolls with all their accessories all over our driveway while our son would jump on his bike and go to the park to play ball or ride his skateboard. So, to them it was a normal childhood.
When we moved to Arizona it was hard because it broke up our family. Our son did not move with us as he had just graduated from college and was preparing to enter the police academy in Colorado. Our two daughters moved with us; however, they were miserable leaving all of their friends back home. So, it was hard.
Now it may seem as though I have described a perfect childhood – yes it seemed as such, however, life gives you choices, and sometimes those choices are very difficult on your family – your children. John and I were very excited to move to Phoenix and we knew we had found the perfect church, St. Timothy’s Parish. However, in the eyes of our daughters, we didn’t win any Mother/Father of the Year Awards! As mothers we have the gift and ability to lift up our children when they are down. Our voices can be incredibly powerful in their lives. We can lead them to the Bible to find a verse that perhaps will help them understand our decision. “Honor your father and mother; and love your neighbor as yourself.” Matthew 19:19 (NIV)
Maya Angelou said, “Motherhood is a choice you make every day, to put someone else’s happiness and well-being ahead of your own, to teach the hard lessons, to do the right thing even when you’re not sure what the right thing is… and to forgive yourself, over and over again, for doing everything wrong.”
As time went on our daughters and son began the police academy, cosmetology school, college, made new friends, found their soulmates, and then came marriage.
Now in the senior years of our life, we love our special family gatherings and are very grateful our children love to come home, bring their children, and spend special times with us. This last weekend we enjoyed our granddaughter Maizy’s dance recital and Jaxon (great grandson’s) second birthday party — all in one day. It was a hectic but absolutely wonderful day and a real treasure that we were a part of their day!
One of the most important tasks of a mother is to nurture and raise her children. A mother’s love which is always available and shared with children, will make children feel safe and loved by their parents. This reflection will strengthen mothers to fulfill their calling in order to see that their children grow in love, in knowledge and in respect for the Lord. (Bible Galaxy Plan on Motherhood)
I am so very thankful and grateful to my mother and grandmothers for the love and guidance they gave me. I pray I have also given my children and grandchildren the same spiritual and motherly nurturing as I received.