Motherhood

Mother's Day is just around the corner and today I want to pay tribute to all of the Mothers who may be reading this post at this very moment. Having been "in practice" myself for almost 35 years now, I can honestly say that being a mother is an ongoing process that both delights and tests our motherly insticts. My two sons are two of the loves of my life and I sometimes am overwhelmed at the feelings that come from deep within when I pull up a memory from their childhood days.

That initial introduction to my first-born, upon hearing his energetic entry into my world, was "Awe"some, and yet a bit terrifying too. I kept asking the doctor and nurses, "Are you sure it's a boy?". "Yes Mam, it's a boy alright".
"Can I hold him, let me see, are you sure it's a boy". It makes me wonder how these delivery room professionals deal with some of the questions flying out of the mouths of new mothers. As long I live I will never forget the words of the nurse who passed my own new "little person" to me: "He looks just like his Momma"--I was in love (not with the nurse--grin), I was overwhelmed and I could NOT catch my breath. He was the most beautiful sight these hazel eyes had ever witnessed. And I had seen 4 younger sisters as babies, but that didn't prepare me for the wriggling and precious boy who now laid in my arms, looking around as if to say, "Where am I, and who are you?"

The birth of my second son was a bit more dramatic but no less awesome. My doctor told me that the baby wasn't breathing and they would have to suction out his lungs. My first glimpse of that tiny little form frightened me, when I saw that his skin was greyish , immediately I thought, "Oh no, what's wrong? Please God don't let him die". The staff worked on him for what seemed like hours, but in truth was only a few minutes. I heard that first, weak cry and knew that my prayers had been answered. I reached anxiously for him and held on, oh so tight, crying tears of joy and thankfullness. My oldest had a little brother and soon he could come in and see what all the fuss was about.

Of course, we all have our stories and memories, and motherhood is not a piece of cake by long shot. We hurt when they hurt, we cry when they cry and we laugh when they laugh. But through all that, a bond that's stronger than any other carries with it unconditional love and tenderness in our hearts for those little people who made our worlds a better place.

I want to honour my own mother today, as well as those who are reading this little "blurb" on the web. Blessings do indeed come in all shapes, sizes, colours and personalities, but most importantly they come from above. Being a mother has been my greatest reward this side of Heaven. And I never wait until Mother's Day to think about my "own". They're right with me every day, tucked in my heart, saying, "Ah Mom, now don't get mushy on us".

Wishing you and "Yours" the best day, today and every day.
Barb