A Mom Launches Us Into Life

Honoring and Remembering Our Mothers

** “A mother’s happiness is like a beacon, lighting up the future but reflected also on the past in the guise of fond memories.” ~Honoré de Balzac

As I write this, I am looking at a photo of my mother, Bertie, whose smile lit up the world. She brought a joie de vivre wherever she went. She was a second mother to all my friends who sought her out for support and attention. I was proud of her youthful beauty and energy. The local grocer, upon seeing us would exclaim, “Here come the Clark sisters!”

On May 3, 1976 my mother died of a brain aneurysm at 53. It rocked my world off its axis. I miss her still. If she were here today, I would tell her about my gratitude, which I never fully embraced until I “grew up” and forgave her for not being the perfect mother! If she were here today, I’d shower her with her favorite things: Reese’s peanut butter cups, the New York Times crossword puzzles, a picnic on the beach, shopping at Loehmann’s, a luncheon for her Kiwi friends (retired American Airlines stewardesses) or a Sunday drive in the country.

Here in the U.S., we celebrate by treating our mothers to a meal, a massage, giving flowers or gifts. Perhaps the best way to celebrate Mom is to be fully present with her–to deeply listen and fully love and appreciate her while expecting nothing in return—remembering that, although, our mothers may have made mistakes, they did the best they could.

If your mom is no longer living, why not take out a picture of her, light and candle and remember her, thank her for whatever sacrifices she made and for giving you life.

Mother’s Day Around the World

Although Mother’s Day is a fairly recent phenomenon – stemming from pacifist movements that sprang up following the U.S. Civil War – this  holiday is widely celebrated. The dates vary according to country, with many cultures adapting it to existing celebrations of women – Virgin Mary Day for Catholic cultures, the birthday of the prophet’s daughter for Islamic countries, etc. Though the meaning can vary for each community, at its heart Mother’s Day is an opportunity for each family to celebrate and honor their mother.

In Bangladesh, the day is marked with organized government activities, performances and TV programs.

In Bolivia, Mother’s Day actually commemorates the Battle of Coronilla during the Bolivian War of Independence, in which women took part in the fighting, many of whom were killed. As a result, the Bolivian holiday is more somber in tone than the American celebration.

Carnations and lilies – which Chinese mothers traditionally planted on the occasion their children left home – are common gifts on Mother’s Day in China.

During WWI in France and WWII in Germany, Mother’s Day was first popularized in an attempt to encourage population growth – mothers of large families were awarded medals! Eventually the holiday came to include all mothers, regardless of family size.

Mother’s Day is cherished in Indonesia, and as such they play host to some very lively Mother’s Day festivities. These including surprise parties, cooking competitions, and giving mothers a chore-free day of pampering.

However we celebrate, may we all deeply acknowledge the endless love and effort put forth by our mothers. Happy Mother’s Day!

With love for the mother and life giver within us all,

Connie

Photo Credit: Violette 79