For Mother's Day

Sunday is Mother's Day and I've been thinking about mothers a lot lately. In the beginning, we all have one and she fills a spot in our hearts like no other human being in our lives, after all she gave us life (with a little help from her friend). She protects us fiercely, nurtures us constantly, and guides us along our path with a true determination unmatched by others. She would move mountains to help us, if that's in her power. She's the proudest when we succeed, the most dashed when we are disappointed, and the first to pick us up and dust us off when we fail. She is the living embodiment of unconditional love. She is the one we take for granted the most, as she's always there ... until she isn't, when a hole is created in our lives, never to be filled again. 

My own mother died 39 years ago when I was only 20 years old, and to this day, I wonder what she would think of the life I've lived. I can still hear her voice and the sound of her laughter, her words of caution and encouragement, and her proclamations of right and wrong. These I've held tightly to over the years and used as a rudder to maintain my course, and as long as I was listening, they've never failed me. So despite having been gone for decades now, this woman lives on in me through the lessons I learned so many years ago. 

So to all of you mothers out there, wherever you are on the time continuum, know that the lessons you teach to us become a part of our fabric, even if you thought we weren't listening. We are inexorably tied together forever, and beyond, and we truly couldn't live without you, though it seems we spend a lifetime trying to be free of those binds.

Some of you have just become mothers for the first time - bask in the beginning because this is just the first chapter of a life-long novel with many and varied chapters ahead. Some of you are caring for elderly or ill mothers - remember, she helped you in to this world, you should help her out. Some of you have just lost your mothers - cherish the time you had together and the memories she created for you.

All of you mothers - know in your hearts that you are always in ours even when you've gone on ahead - just remember to leave a light on for us to follow.

Photo © 2011 Claudia Ward

Happy Mother's Day, one and all. 

Comments

[Sarah]

So beautifully written.....

[ally]

a very pretty mother in that classic black and white. I am sorry to hear she was lost to you at such a young age.
a very nice posting.

[frannie]

a lovely tribute to all mothers (my mom loved it too)!
what a lovely picture of your mother!
I have some great memories of her-including working in the store and baking us brownies at your house!

[Claudia]

I am so sorry for your loss Nancy and so envious of the time you had. I'm sure she's lit a light for you already ... in spirit.

[Nancy K]

Thank you Claudia. I always look forward to reading your posts. You express yourself so beautifully. Even when your words/thoughts are not illustrated by a beautiful photograph, i am able to visualize them and feel like I am right there. This post particularly resonated with me as my mother died 2 weeks ago. As you said, our moms helped us into this world-i was honored to be able to help mine out of this world. Thanks and keep writing and sharing.