What Is It About Mothers?

The natural state of motherhood is unselfishness. When you become a mother, you are no longer the center of your own universe. You relinquish that position to your children. Jessica Lange

Mom and the Three of Us!
Mom and the Three of Us!

Whether she was wiping noses, cooking dinner or teaching us life lessons, my mother dedicated herself to her family. When I look back in time, she was tireless. Ever cleaning, ever cooking, ever managing the household- that was Mom.

I have many friends like me who have aging parents with issues. Some have parents who have passed. As I feel my own age more and more, I grow in awe of what Mom did for us, despite some serious obstacles. I can wipe away a tear just thinking about moments in time and how Mom managed and survived major stresses. At the time those events happened, I had very little awareness of the gravity of situations. Now I know better.

Mom was a real stunner!
Mom was a real stunner!

As I take care of my mom now, I realize how she took care of my dad all those years ago. He had some of the same issues she is having right now, yet I do not remember ever worrying about him (or her) or offering to assist much. This bothers me a bit today but I know deep inside, mom shouldered this all because she just had to. And likely she would have not wanted it any other way.

My own stint with motherhood has taught me many things. One is that I am not always right. Second, I have a lot of power. These two things can sometimes get the best of us moms into trouble. When we tell our kids they don’t do this right or that right, they are listening. I used to think my kids did not listen to me. Then I realized that they were very much listening, watching and learning.

As parents, I believe we have a tremendous responsibility not to use our kids to fulfill our own unsatisfied life dreams. Rather, they are here to be their own individuals, embrace their gifts and qualities, and contribute to society as a whole. I have learned the hard way to love and accept my children (and grandchild) for who they are, rather than to try and force them into what I think they should be.

John and Michelene
John and Michelene

As I have said in previous posts, I have really realized the power of unconditional love. My daughter was a single parent at age 18. She finished her GED ages ago and attained a Bachelor’s Degree just a few years ago. She is working hard and getting ready to buy her first house. I am very proud of her.

My son is following his instincts and doing what brings him satisfaction and happiness. Though I sometimes wish for other things, I want him to come to his own conclusions about life’s journey. What I try to do is encourage, support and love him just for who he is…a wonderful human being.

My vocation as a Mother will never be over. I try and remember every day that I will leave a lasting legacy for my children and grandchild. As I remember the gifts my mother and grandmother gave to me, I can only hope to leave behind some fond memories of myself… and a great recipe for baklava. 🙂

This post is in honor of my mom!

Happy Mother’s Day to you! What is your favorite part of Motherhood?

It's nice to share. Thank you.

19 Replies to “What Is It About Mothers?”

  1. A lovely post in honour of your beautiful mother. I so agree that we are not always right. It’s a hard lesson for both the mother and the child to learn. I am sure you will be cherished for your baklava recipe and much more 🙂

  2. My favorite part of motherhood? GRAND CHILDREN! Ha ha. My younger son told me the best thing I taught him was HOW to think, not WHAT to think. I am pretty proud of him for what he has done. I want more for my kids, though. Daniel is very intelligent and the fact that he is not in college bothers me. But it’s his life to live as he chooses. He is ‘taking classes’ which is better than nothing.
    Jeremy has made some bad choices and is struggling with the fall out of those choices. He has given me a beautiful daughter (in law) and 4 fabulous grand children. I am proud of the fact that he didn’t walk away at the first sign of trouble. I am proud that he has fought for his marriage and is working on his sobriety.
    As for my mother…she has been gone almost 4 years now and I miss her more than ever! Especially the past year when my life has been turned upside down and I have been facing things I never thought I would! She was an AMAZING woman and I can only hope to be half the mother she was. Spend every moment you can with yours!
    Happy Mothers Day, Joanne!

    1. Cathy, You are one of the most amazing moms I know. I know how hard it is to LET GO of our children sometimes but it is really for their benefit that we do. May you have a wonderful, blessed Mother’s Day and I thank you for stopping by and leaving your beautiful comment! xo Joanne

  3. Happy Mother’s Day…what a beautiful and heartwarming post! You are very blessed to have been raised by such a “selfless” mom, just as I was . As I have grown older, and experience my own life’s trials , I have grown to appreciate her selfless ways more and more! I read this quote this morning, and I think it says it all…..”My mother had a great deal of trouble with me, but I think she enjoyed it!” by Mark Twain

  4. I will always remember your mom”s ready smile; she is truly a beautiful lady! I just pray that I leave my children with a strong sense of Faith in the Lord, as my mom did me. Trust in a loving Father gets us through even the most difficult points in life.

  5. Joanne, my dear, what a lovely post. You are so right about mothers, and reading about yours was a pleasure. Your mother really was stunning, and such a beautiful smile!! wow! It’s amazing and wonderful to be able to see them so young and vibrant. And such good looking children, too. You have a wonderful family.

    I hope your mother’s day was full of joy surrounded by those you love.

    Blessings,
    Marianne xo

    1. Marianne, My Mother’s Day was wonderful! I made dinner for Mom and a beloved Aunt and my daughter. It was a pleasure to do so! My husband bought me a gift card to my favorite store so I am indeed lucky.
      I hope you had a wonderful day too. How is your mom doing?
      xo Joanne

Leave a Reply to Katherine's DaughterCancel reply

Verified by ExactMetrics