Mother's Day and the Art of Mothering

For mother's day I want to pay tribute to my mother and the women who practice the art of mothering.
My mother is amazing! Over the years we have shared a wonderful relationship that has influenced who I have become as a person. My siblings and I have been truly blessed to have parents who cared and sacrificed to provide for us a very balanced childhood. We were not rich in worldly things, but our needs were met and we appreciate the simple things in life. Thank you so much for everything you have done for me!

Yesterday my mother read this blog and then shared how much she enjoyed it. The computer can be a challenge for her, but she rises to that challenge as she has done in many ways throughout her life. While we travel this road of life together, we share a love of family and the history of those who have gone before us. Both her mother and her mother in law were a great influence for her. These two women lost their own mothers when very young in life, yet they learned the art of mothering as many of us do.
Mothering does not come with a handbook of instructions. We learn by taking a child into our lives and help that child discover who they are and what their role is in this inter-generational family unit. From one generation to another we transfer mothering skills, so the generations to come will share these same skills with our descendants. There are no guarantees and we all make some mistakes along the way. The key is to focus on a loving relationship, which encompasses both discipline and freedom to become.
Some women do not physically bear children and yet practice the art of mothering as they help to meet the needs of children. They are key players in this world of nurturing.
So, this Sunday, as we observe a day of recognition for women who practice the art of mothering, may we take the time to capture some memories of these wonderful people who have sacrificed in our behalf. This includes the women who fill our ancestral family trees. With our writings we can preserve the life stories of women who have unselfishly given of their time, patience, endurance, compassion, love and ultimately their very lives to the benefit of many generations to come. The greatest gift you can give to them in return is to write, record, photograph, and share with others the stories of their lives.
Now we are off to enjoy some time with our six children and four grandchildren. Grandchildren are surely the ultimate reward for having endured the responsibility of parenting for over thirty years.