The phrase “working mother” is redundant. ~Jane Sellman
Being a full-time mother is one of the highest salaried jobs…since the payment is pure love. — Mildred B. Vermont
I don’t know anyone more hard-working than my Mom. She had a tough childhood, having been raised largely by her grandmother and her aunt since her own parents never recovered financially or emotionally from the Great Depression.
As an adult, she was a “working mom”. Mom had a successful career in real estate before she took over running the Matchmaker office for my Dad. She didn’t just shine as a professional businesswoman, she also excelled at motherhood. Despite less than stellar role models from her own childhood, she always made time for family fun. Her boundless energy and enthusiasm were contagious.
Years ago, during an interview with Oprah, author Toni Morrison, a Nobel Prize and Pulitzer Prize American Novelist, gave this parenting advice:
“It’s interesting to see when a kid walks into the room… does your face light up? That’s what they’re looking for…when my children used to walk in the room when they were little, I looked at them to see if they had buckled their trousers or if their hair was combed or their socks were up…so you think your affection and your deep love is on display cause you’re caring for them, it’s not. When they see you, they see the critical face…what’s wrong now? …Let your face speak what’s in your heart…it just as small as that.”
These days, Mom’s body and mind are failing her, and she doesn’t have the energy reserves that she used to, but when she sees her grandkids and great grandkids, her face still lights up the room. And that’s why my Mom is my hero. Instead of embracing the fear and scarcity her parents lived with during the Great Depression, she found unlimited wealth in family and friends. Mom not only gave me life; she showed me how to live and love!
Here’s to an “illuminating” weekend with the ones you love,
~Bob
