"Necessity is the mother of invention,” is a familiar proverb suggesting that when there is a diving force (a necessity), a new, creative way (invention) can be found to meet the need. This is undoubtedly true. As Mother’s Day is upon us, we can turn this idea around a bit thinking of Mothers as both driving force and innovator, in caring for her family and responding to needs of all kinds and for many in additin to her family.
We celebrate Mother’s Day each year on the second Sunday in May. To honor them Mothers may receive flowers or a present, be served breakfast in bed or be taken out to dinner. In whichever way, whether a new young mother, grandmother, great grandmother, or a mother who is no longer with us, let us remember and honor them for all that they do, will do, and have done for us. Let us also acknowledge that Mothers are also their own individual selves apart from the driving force and innovator in our lives. Yet, we are most likely to think of Mothers there for us, no mater what, as problem solvers, and/or caretakers responding to our needs.
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| Older sister, Carol, Sandra and Mother, Christina (1951) |
Mothers often also respond to help neighbors or friends, and to their responsibilities at a job or profession. They may also contribute to the needs of the wider community and, thereby, the world. Mothers are frequently the ones holding the social, cultural, domestic and practical reins—and with only two hands! Our idea of the ideal Mother has a loving soul, an open heart, is a foundation builder, a memory maker, a daughter, maybe a wife/partner, a sibling, teacher, friend. At times she is a sage sharing wisdom garnered from a lifetime of experiene.
Mothers are worthy examples, often showing rather than just telling children how to be. Raising children involves clear thinking, logic, imagination, planning, organization, patience, fairness, kindness, compassion, practicality, nurturing, creativity, consistency, gentleness, being loving yet firm—being there to listen and respond to whatever the need at any given time. Oh, and a sense of humor goes a long way. All of these are ideal qualities and, of course, apply to fathers as well, and to others who care for and work with children. |
| Sandra with sons, Seth (left) and Rob (1983) |
Too often, however, Mothers put aside their own needs and wishes for the needs of family and others. This writer can attest to my own mother's doing so, and my own responses at times. Therefore, a most important "must see" for children is Mother taking time for something separate from her family and home—with enthusiasm/passion, even if just for a bit of solitude—whatever form it may take for Mother time.
Okay, so being realistic, we must agree that it is impossible to be all of those things, all of the time, what with managing younger children’s temper tantrums, illnesses, activities, endless reminders to brush teeth; share toys; and, later on, navigating the teen years; monitoring school work; seeing to those untidy rooms; driving here and there to deliver and pick up, and much later on, stepping in to help and support adult children and grandchildren when necessity arises, doing the best she can in any situation, and somehow always being there if needed! Even if not at 100% all the time (who is?), Mothers hold the big picture, keeping it all together with Mother strength, Mother hope, Mother determination, Mother creativity, and always—Mother Love.
Let us honor all Mothers on this May, and each day be grateful for our Mothers of Invention, our Mother Memories, and for giving and receiving Mother LOVE.
Happy Mothers’s Day!
