Mom's big day
Published May 11, 2014
Editorial by Jacksonville Daily News, May 11, 2014.
Before you were you, you were your mother’s child.
Families in our community and across the nation will spend time today trying to thank moms for being who they are and doing what they do.
While flowers, cards and gifts are wonderful tributes, the best tribute is you.
At the start, motherhood is all encompassing with the immediate understanding that your life depends on her life. Every second of your living is monitored and every step she takes is with you in mind. There was no precedent when you were born. There was only you and the beginning of a journey full of detail, relationship, management, kindness and information.
As you learn to take the steps on your own, the journey becomes one of holding on, while letting go. It is the delicate balance of your independence and her need to nurture. It is a heartbreaking process. She will spend her life learning you — who you are, what you need and how to show you the most love.
Sometimes that love is fierce and protects you from the fall you’re about to take. Sometimes that love is quiet, understanding that the best lessons you’ll learn are the ones you’ll teach yourself.
As you reach your station in adulthood, that love doesn’t change.
When you’re spending time with your mom, she will not see your active profession or your current success or your failures. Her interest will not be in accolades, reasons why you’re sorry for not spending more time with her or whether your behavior is ideal.
She will behold the child that came to be.
She will revel in a heart full of every ounce of you — your greatest moments, your wonderful imperfections. She’s as smitten with you now as she was the day you were born. You are a delight. You are still all that matters.
That is the truth of motherhood.
Be thankful for that. She most certainly is.
Happy Mother’s Day.
