May 10, 2014 – Worldwide Organization for Women

by Nicholeen Peck Happy Mother’s Day! I hope you have planned how you will spend your special day. I usually try to find ways to serve my family like a good mother does. Years ago I fell into the trap of feeling entitled on Mother’s Day. I thought it was my day off. In fact, it seemed like society was convincing me that I should feel entitled to special treatment. One Mother’s Day, after being thrown up on and having everything go wrong, and feeling like being a mother was the worst thing ever, I decided that never again would I trick myself into that kind of selfishness. I decided that Mother’s Day was my day to do what I do; mother people. I decided that to honor my special day best I needed to be selfless, not selfish. Here are some things you can do to make Mother’s Day special for you and for your family; live your role and love it!

Make your family breakfast in bed
Make a special dinner for your family
Tell stories from your life to your family
Tell your family about mothers you admire (your heroes)
Have a special mother’s day treat (tradition) you always serve like strawberry shortcake.
Send your children cards of appreciation for being able to be their mother

WOW upside down spells MOM. It’s a universally common title, but the real beauty and influence of motherhood begins to shine when Mom doesn’t accept the role as common. At a recent fundraising event, one couple at a shared table happened to be a Mom accompanied by her young son. Her husband couldn’t attend last minute, so his son was to take his place. As conversation progressed through the evening, it became obvious this beautiful woman did not accept her title as common. Motherhood was something she continually planned, prayed about, and sought wisdom in. It was something she put her best energies into. I knew I had found a kindred spirit when she said she was once asked what job she would choose if she could have any in the world. She said she thought about it a moment and then answered she already had it-being a stay at home Mom.

This reminded me of Cornelia Africana, an ancient Roman patrician whose maternal care and wisdom jolted Rome with the dignity and worth she brought to motherhood. One day sister patrician Compania showcased her jewels to Cornelia. After, she asked Cornelia to bring out her jewels for her to see. Cornelia in all sincerity gestured toward her young children and replied, “These are my jewels.”

Painting by Angelica Kaufman, 1785

It is true Cornelia was blessed with a life of material comfort, but she was hardly spared human suffering and grief. She was widowed fairly young, and though she bore twelve children, only three survived to adulthood. Later, even her two famous sons, “the Gracchi”, she outlived, because they were cut down in their prime of life for beliefs she raised them to stand for.

WOW respects and supports the dual role of parenthood, but today WOW wants to honour the Mother, and those who do not accept the title of Mom as common.

Happy Mothers Day!