MOTHERS OF INVENTION

"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.

    We celebrate Mother’s Day on Sunday, May 12th, when Mothers may receive flowers or a present, be served breakfast in bed or be taken out to dinner. In whatever way, whether a new young mother, grandmother, great grandmother, or a mother who is no longer with us, let us honor them for all that they do, will do, and have done for us. Mostly, let’s 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 as problem solvers, and caretakers responding to our needs.

 

Older sister, Carol, Sandra and Mother, Christina (1951)

    Mothers may also respond to help neighbors or friends, and to their responsibilities at a job or profession. They may 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! a 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.

    Mothers are worthy examples, often showing rather than just telling children how to be—from little ones to worthy adults themselves. 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 being in that mode 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 May 12th, and each day be grateful for our Mothers of Invention, our Mother Memories, and for giving and receiving Mother LOVE.

Happy   Mothers’s  Day!