Tuesday hugs to you all Beloveds.
Sunday 26th March was Mothering Sunday around Europe and some parts of the world and it brought to remembrance the joys and sacrifices that birth-mothers, step-mothers, foster-mothers do for their children. Mothering Sunday is a day dedicated to celebrating motherhood and making her feel extraordinarily special.
But permit me to ask a question!
- Is making her feel special on Mothering Sunday what we’re supposed to do?
- Do you think focusing our energy on this extraordinary person called a ‘MOTHER’ once a year is enough?
It’s like Valentine’s Day which is held yearly on the 14th of February to signify the celebration of LOVE but I beg to differ as LOVE should be celebrated daily. That got me really thinking about what motherhood is (along with the significance of Mothering Sunday) and the only conclusion I can come up with is the word ‘sacrifice’; and the underlining factor that comes along with that ‘word’. The mother-child relationship can be one of the most complicated and yet most rewarding of all relationships. As any parent will tell you, the practice of raising a child can be extremely difficult, and mothers definitely deserve the thanks and praise. And while it certainly isn’t enough to appreciate her just one day out of the year, Mother’s Day is a good start.
So what is a “good mother”? One who would sacrifice all for her children. One who offers love that is endless, silent, undemanding, One who would deny her own maternal identity rather than see her offspring rent in two. A good mother is her children; she does not have a story of her own. She is the channel through which others learn to speak.
The meaning of being a mother is virtually endless. A mother is a protector, disciplinarian and friend. A mother is a selfless, loving human who must sacrifice many of their wants and needs for the wants and needs of their children. A mother works hard to make sure their child is equipped with the knowledge, skills and abilities to make it as a competent human being. Being a mother is perhaps the hardest, most rewarding job a woman will ever experience but it comes with the most quantifying thing called LOVE.
As Toni Morrison’s Beloved illustrates, maternal love defies restrictions based on the intersection of race and gender, and exists beyond patriarchal rules of ownership.
Being a mother 8 years ago changed my life completely. I found out that this little creature called David was brought into my life to teach me how to love unconditionally but also to test my ‘patienc
e’ (which I was struggling with, even though my African name ‘Ndidiamaka’ denotes ‘patience is a virtue’) amongst things.
I had become much more than a bottle washer or bottom wiper. I discovered that I found myself wearing a dizzying array of hats: master chef, schedule organizer, cheerleader, comforter, mentor and detective. I found myself forever showering David with hugs and kisses, listening to him as he recounts his day, either at school or otherwise, play games or slip a note in his lunch box letting him know how much I love him.
As mothers (be it birth-mothers, step-mothers and foster mothers), I discovered that we daily change the course of the future through our encouragement and admonishments, through these life-giving moments when we pour into our children. We get to shape their character and teach them about the God who made them and loves them. We teach them about honesty and the power of commitment. We teach them how to share and how to love. We form the face of tomorrow through our mummy-life today. Each moment counts, and for a mother, there aren’t any throwaway days.
In turn, David has shown me what unconditional love is all about. He’s exactly the type of child I had prayed for all my life and nothing brings me even more joy than seeing the gifts God has placed in him slowly manifesting – the worshipper, the carer, the karate expert, the footballer, the mathematician, the cook, the traveller, the story-teller, the PS4 player, the YouTuber amongst others. So it makes the ‘sacrifice’ all worthwhile.
With eve
ry hug, every gentle pat, every encouraging word, we are making a difference that no one else can. Without fanfare or thanks, we are shaping the minds and hearts of future leaders, inventors, dreamers and decision-makers. We truly are world changers.
So even if for one day, we are appreciated for all the work we do; then I proudly receive it on behalf of all the MOTHERS in the world. Yes the work never ceases but being treated with love by all makes it all WORTHWHILE.
So here’s to celebrating the special women in my life: Mummy dearest, Sister-in-love (Sarah), Big Sisters Josephine & Ngozi, Pastor Sola Irukwu (Spiritual Mother/Big Sister), Church Grandma Falaye and to my fellows Mothers (birth-mothers, step-mothers, foster mothers and also mothers-in-waiting): Happy Mothering Day Beloveds.
Do like, comment and follow my BLOG for upcoming posts.
Yours in love – The Renaissance Lady ©
As a Mompreneur & Lifestyle Blogger, I am constantly on the goal of being ready for the NEW re-birthing and renewing of Oneself as I believe we all have a purpose to fulfil on this earth and part of my mission is for us all to live a Purpose-Driven Life.
celebrating mothers is always a good idea ! It feels good to make your mom happy
Author
Thank you Denni and you are so right. There’s nothing like a Happy Mother. Please subscribe or follow my blog to be notified of future posts. Yours in love – The Renaissance Lady ©
I try to call my mom every day and make sure she knows how loved and appreciated she is!
Author
Thank you Courtney. I call my mum every morning on way to work and my day does not feel right without talking to her. I truly appreciate her more being a mother myself. Please subscribe or follow my blog to be notified of future posts. Yours in love – The Renaissance Lady ©
I so agree with you, celebrating motherhood shouldn’t just be focused on one particular day a year. It should be all year-round 😉 Hope you enjoyed your Mother’s Day as I did mine 🙂
Author
Thank you Dean B. My Mothering Sunday was relaxing and spent with mum. Hope you had an amazing time as well. Please subscribe or follow my blog to be notified of future posts. Yours in love – The Renaissance Lady ©
I think we should be grateful and celebrate each other year round. One day a year set aside to remind us to go out of our way and do something special to honor our mothers is enough for me. Happy Mothering Day!
Author
Thank you Shelah. I do agree that we should all be celebrated year round. Please subscribe or follow my blog to be notified of future posts. Yours in love – The Renaissance Lady ©
My sons are both grown now, and they make me feel special every day of the year. When I see the values that I taught them – love for others, kindness, thoughtfulness – reflected back, I know being a mother is the greatest thing that ever happened to me.
Author
Thank you Alicia. I join you in saying that Motherhood is the most rewarding thing I have ever done in my life so far. Please subscribe or follow my blog to be notified of future posts. Yours in love – The Renaissance Lady ©
Celebrating motherhood is always a good idea but something that I really really began to understand much more when I became a mother myself!
Author
Thank you Marianna. I truly appreciate my Mother now even more being a mother myself. Please subscribe or follow my blog to be notified of future posts. Yours in love – The Renaissance Lady ©
Beautiful post!!
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Thank you Kyla. Please subscribe or follow my blog to be notified of future posts. Yours in love – The Renaissance Lady ©
The reference to Beloved said it all. Being a mother is a unique feeling altogether.
Beautiful post, I can imagine how David has changed your life. When I had my daughter it completely changed mine, with new emotions I hadn’t felt before. For me becoming a father made me respect my mother more and 1 day isn’t enough!
Author
Thank you. The same goes for Fathers as well and yes, David has definitely changed my life. Please subscribe or follow my blog to be notified of future posts. Yours in love – The Renaissance Lady ©
Awww. So true. Mums should be celebrated daily not once a year. I am not a mum yet but I always feel my mum’s love for me .
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Thank you Leuchoco. Please subscribe or follow my blog to be notified of future posts. Yours in love – The Renaissance Lady ©
mom are the best and they love us like nobody else will
In my home country we have a saying “el día de la madre es todos los días” which means “mothering day is everyday”. We are very attached to our mothers (and family in general) even in the adult age. We see the family and share with them every day not only for Christmas and holidays. I have a hard time living far from my parents, and people in this country don’t seem to understand that, it is a cultural thing I believe.
Author
Thank you Nati. I hear you and I call my mum every morning on way to work (even when I travel abroad) and my day does not feel right without talking to her. I truly appreciate her more being a mother myself. Please subscribe or follow my blog to be notified of future posts. Yours in love – The Renaissance Lady ©
I’m so often away from home for Mother’s Day… But I’m incredibly lucky, my mum supports my travels.
Author
Thank you Mike. Be glad that Mothers are forever around you and always support your dream no matter what. Please subscribe or follow my blog to be notified of future posts. Yours in love – The Renaissance Lady ©
Gotta love moms! Thanks for sharing.
Author
Thank you Aprill. Thanks for your comment and please subscribe or follow my blog to be notified of future posts. Yours in love – The Renaissance Lady ©
yes! i have heard about this. they have this in many African countries as well. Hope it was a good day for you!
I agree the another name for mother is sacrifices so why should we celebrate only one day. This day can be clebrated for 365 days as she sacrifice everyday for us. And yes you need to tell her at times that you love and care for her too.
Author
Thank you Suruchi. Thanks for your comment. I do agree that Mothers and Fathers should be celebrated daily for what they do for their children. Please subscribe or follow my blog to be notified of future posts. Yours in love – The Renaissance Lady ©