Inspirational Mothering

May is the month that nature bears beautiful blossoms and we celebrate mothers, who bear and nurture humanity's most tender shoots. We witness mothers everyday, modeling calm dignity, setting boundaries with confidence and advocating for their children's care. Below are a few examples but by no means an inclusive list for every mothers' story belongs here. All the mothers tending their children, shape the future and inspire us daily. When difficult news comes, children watch adults' reactions to know whether everything is alright. They take things personally; in their self-centered view of the universe; if mommy is upset, the child thinks she is to blame. However, even a diagnosis of grave illness when met with grace and dignity, can model an important lesson for a child. We are more than our physical bodies and more than our emotions. There is a boy who witnessed his mother negotiate illness with grace, never losing hope or dignity while recovering physical health; she held onto her spirit. Although the Doctor said her body was sick, she continued to shine with light, beauty and well being. One toddler occasionally gives her mother a howling tearful goodbye, but her mother says goodbye and leaves. She knows that her clarity and confidence gives her little one both roots and wings so she is equipped to meet these moments. It never fails that the little one stops crying within minutes after mom leaves. Moms knows this; she trusts her child, her teachers and her personal decision to work. Another working mom is raising her children alone. They are energetic, curious children who both have fun and know to do what the adults say. They understand how life works and respect authority. When mom was struggling with a parenting issue, she was not afraid to speak openly and ask for help and then to listen. When she has questions about our procedures, she speaks to us as openly and rationally, she is an advocate for her children, leading with a strong heart and reason. They have a courageous guide who focuses on what is important. I'd like to mention one more mom who came here for only a year while finishing her doctoral studies. This mother of two is intelligent, kind-hearted and capable of making a home for her family while living far away from the home they knew. She consistently did what she said she would do; demonstrating that she is a woman who keeps her promises, someone you can trust. Her ready and honest assessments showed loving acceptance, allowing her children to be themselves. When it was time to return home, her careful planning carried out in an unhurried manner gave her children a feeling of safety, of home. Like a fountain of love and joy, they basked in it. Mothering is a balancing act of sympathy and antipathy, understanding the challenges of growing up while not allowing unacceptable behavior. It requires first and foremost, honesty because children are truth-tellers. Whether adults express truth or not, children know what's there and may set out to provoke or bring out truth that is unexpressed. Yes, with all this honesty, mothering requires courage and dignity, drawing from the deepest source of all that is.