Celebration of motherhood

John left a comment that made me look again at this old photograph of Gilad and me when, in 1975, we were visiting my father in Zimbabwe - then Rhodesia. In fact, while I was out walking by the Wissahickon on this exquisitely beautiful day - sun shining, cool breeze in the clear, fresh air and many, many people out and about walking, running, jogging, cycling, all ages, colors, sizes - indeed, while I was out walking on this gorgeous Mother's Day, I was starting to become wistful, realizing that this was one of those times Gilad will be forgetting to remember and acknowledge my mothering day. And then suddenly I thought about John's comment. And also Richard Cohen came to mind as I have been reading what he has written about his experience with Byron Katie lately. As I arrived home, before I took my shower, I rushed to open my blog and look at the photograph of Gilad and me once again.

And I realized immediately that Mother's Day is not about Gilad remembering me or acknowledgment from others. It is not even about how much love I put into my time as a mother. It is about how I loved giving birth to my son. It was a privilege and honor to have him enter into my life and accompany me on my turbulent and interesting journeys. I learned so much from him especially about unconditional love and commitment. It is I who should be remembering him on Mother's Day, and thanking him for sharing his joys and sorrows, musical talent, truthful opinions, humor and love, and, especially, for being a child of my womb who changed my life in so many ways forever.

It feels exciting to celebrate motherhood in this way today. Am grateful to John and Richard for their reflections and ruminations, opinions and stories. For, with their words, I was guided down a more joyful path.

And now, off I go to shower and prepare for a brunch that Tom is preparing: freshly caught Rainbow Trout (fruits of his fishing excursion yesterday), egg, tomato and toast. I think I will top it off with some Turkish Delight flavored with rose water that I bought as a treat for myself yesterday.

A year ago at Tamarika: A meditation

Comments

[tamarika]

Thanks so much to all of you for dropping by with support and good wishes. Mother's Day was all the richer for it!

I had a great conversation with my son yesterday and told him about my new found realizations. He shouted out loud: "No, Mom. That's not good. You must have expectations of your child!" And we both laughed and laughed.

[patry]

Mother's Day can be a minefield of expectation. Thanks for this reminder that we can turn it on its head anytime we want.

Great photo, too.

[Richard Lawrence Cohen]

Thank you so much, Tamarika!

[Rhea]

I hope your Mother's Day was wonderful!