The Katywompus Journal Observing Life's Little Quirks by Diane Moody |
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Entry #41: Not So Happy Mother's Days
Ah yes, Mother's Day. There sits June Cleaver on the church pew, surrounded by her adoring family, hands entwined with Wally and the Beaver on either side of her. Ward beams with pride as he gazes upon the lovely scene. He pats himself on the back for remembering to purchase the signature corsage now adorning her dress, a fitting symbol of her accomplishments as the loving, giving, devoted caregiver to one and all. [Cue the sound effects: stereo needle scratching across a record album.] Wait a second. Ever stop and think what this day is like for folks who don't have a mom like Mrs. Cleaver? What if she's more like Mommie Dearest Joan Crawford? Ever wonder what Mother's Day means to the offspring of the Mothers-from-Hell brigade? For them, the mere mention of the "M" word is a knife to the heart, slowly turning, cutting deep to the very core of their existence. For them, Mother's Day is excruciating, something they dread year after year after year. Granted, we can't rip the day off the calendar, nor should we. For those of us blessed with wonderful mothers, we welcome an opportunity to honor and pamper them. We're grateful for their sacrifices and faithfulness, providing us with a solid foundation for life. Even for those who have lost moms like these, they still honor her memory on this day and reflect upon a lifetime of sweet memories. And for those of us who are mothers ourselves, we appreciate ANY effort of gratitude and appreciation from our kids and our husbands. Trust me on that! But not everyone shares those experiences. On Sunday our pastor gave a beautiful tribute to mothers in the middle of his message. Even though he's a young father himself, he was perceptive enough to remember those who struggle on this particular day of the year, specifically those young couples who desperately want to have a baby and are not able to do so. His words echoed through my heart as I flashed back to Mother's Day 1984. It was only a few short days after we lost our first child through miscarriage, and it was one of the hardest days of my life. I remember leaving the church service in a flood of tears during the annual baby dedication that day. It was just too much to bear. That experience softened my heart toward others on this significant day of the year. Not only to those who are childless, but to everyone who finds this day particularly difficult. While the world paints a broad brushstroke of motherhood and apple pie, we need to remember that some of those apples are just plain rotten. And because of them, there are kids who grew up with bruised personalities, their self-esteem forever trampled under the foot of the very person most responsible for nurturing them. These are people who have suffered unspeakable heartache because of a mother's cruel words or actions or neglect or even abandonment. If we haven't walked in their shoes, we cannot possibly understand the dark cloud that may still follow them through life. Hopeless? Absolutely not. Difficult? You better believe it. But I have to believe part of the healing for these individuals comes in stopping the cycle. You can't change the past, but you can certainly change the future. As for the rest of us? Yes, by all means, let's honor our mothers. But let's also remember Mother's Day is a Hallmark creation with dollar signs firmly affixed. Better to honor our mothers (fathers, grandparents, sweethearts) every day of the year and keep it in perspective. Click HERE to send Diane an email. She welcomes your comments and suggestions. She's Flying the Coop Blessed are the poor... Back to School It All Started With Eve It's Almost Here! Forget About Weapons of Mass Destruction - let’s Talk Hormones The Other "W" "If only I could..." "Put Down That Remote and Step Away From the TV!" Take This Job and Love It! As the Stomach turns! Pet Peeves Cue the Balloons! A Picture Perfect Thanksgiving 'Twas Two Months Before Christmas . . . Egg Nog & Popcorn The Importance of Making Christmas Memories Step Away from the Mistletoe! O Crystal Ball . . . 2003 Unplugged Geek is Chic! Mind Your Manners! Go "Figure" You’ve Gotta Laugh Reality Check A Parent’s Worst Nightmare Notice Me! It's Not About the Stuff Too Many Buns! What's Your Legacy? Music to My Ears Why, Thank You! Ah, Spring! Mel vs. the Easter Bunny He Did It! He Finally Did It! Unexpected Joys HAPPY BIRTHDAY, CHUCK McFARLAND! Bring on the Barbecue! |
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