Motherhood

Forget world peace for once. Let’s talk Motherhood, after all, is it not the hand that rocks that cradle that rules the world?

A combined mothering experience of 39 years, excluding the care of extended families little ones, the past years have been a trial with one child finishing tertiary education and another just beginning his cycle of tertiary studies. The curve balls have been dodged (barely), the expenses promise to continue to climb spirally, the trek seems insurmountable sometimes but all days, I dread the empty nest syndrome.

A South African Indian English speaking Hindu woman, my humble home has hosted many get-togethers with family and friends. Sadly with the demise of valued family elders, that has rapidly dwindled. Rampant technology, social issues and it must be said, increased selfishness of the younger generation has resulted in few memory making moments.

A close family of four with five pets, our moments due to estrangement issues, are guarded and cherished. Our parental logic and prominently inherent belief, is that irrespective of whatever the future holds, once the children have flown the coop, lived their experiences, are still living their experiences, the family home will always be theirs to return to.

Having said that, there are days when proximity is over-rated, tempers flare yet the bonding remains unshakeable. A full time working Mom, the morning weekend meals are anticipated, more so, by my Handsome Leo, firstborn kitty, who insists and receives freshly cooked food, he will not budge until he is served. The majority of his weekend hours are spent cocooned at my side, my shadow to the kitchen, bathroom and back.

Since favoritism is not allowed, we do have allies and the buddy systems works. Every parent will agree that perfect days are rare. The chores are plentiful for Supermoms and antics leave us baffled and grasping for answers. Payoff though is priceless. When they were younger, bedtimes were the best, the silence was sublime and the humming sound of the freezer, a gentle serenade. As they have matured, I despair of advising my son on matters that only experience has taught me. They have been well provided for but I have threatened to move in with them once they have all the things, I could not afford.

As much as the blessings are treasured, the intention is to encourage education, the one thing that can never be taken from them, to venture out and succeed in a somewhat harsh world.

Motherhood is no easy task and often, I seek affirmations and refer to these quotes…

1. “In a child’s eyes, a mother is a goddess. She can be glorious or terrible, benevolent or filled with wrath, but she commands love either way. I am convinced that this is the greatest power in the universe.” — N.K. Jemisin, The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms
2. “Mothers are all slightly insane.” ― J. D. Salinger, The Catcher in the Rye
3. “There are few things more powerful than the faithful prayers of a righteous mother.” — Boyd K. Packer
4. To describe my mother would be to write about a hurricane in its perfect power. Or the climbing, falling colors of a rainbow.” — Maya Angelou
5. ‘I have no need for children for it is happiness I am in search,’ and all the while she spoke, I smiled while happiness tugged at my skirt.” — Unknown
6. “A mother is one to whom you hurry when you are troubled.” — Emily Dickinson
7. “All that I am or ever hope to be, I owe to my angel mother.” — Abraham Lincoln
8. “Mothers hold their children’s hands for a short while but their hearts forever.” — Unknown
9. “A mother is a person who seeing there are only four pieces of pie for five people, promptly announces she never did care for pie.” — Tenneva Jordan
10. “Becoming a mother makes you realize you can do almost anything one-handed.” — Unknown
11. “When you are a mother, you are never really alone in your thoughts. A mother always has to think twice, once for herself and once for her child.” — Sophia Loren
12. “Biology is the least of what makes someone a mother.” — Oprah Winfrey
13. “There are three ways to get something done: do it yourself, hire someone to do it, or ask your kids not to do it.” — Malcolm Kushner
14. “Nothing is really lost until mom can’t find it.” — Unknown
15. “When your mother asks, ‘Do you want a piece of advice?’ it is a mere formality. It doesn’t matter if you answer yes or no. You’re going to get it anyway.

Theodore Hesburgh rightfully said, “the most important thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother.” In this day and age of divorce and divided homes, it is imperative that parents, irrespective of circumstances, support each other’s decisions to raise well balanced and healthy minds.

Quote references : https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/tag/motherhood

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