A Little Bracelet Symbolized a Mother’s Vibrant Life
Friday, February 5th, 2010Everyone has a story about their mother. Mothers are as different as their unique personalities. Some are patient and kind. Some are loud and obnoxious. Others are very opinionated. In spite of these characteristic differences in a mother’s personality, they do the best that they can, as there is no wrong way to love their child.
Let me first point out that being a mother is the most challenging, yet rewarding, experience in a woman’s life. Women have the ability to love their child unconditionally, in spite of the circumstances. It is said that a Mother’s Love begins at the very thought of conception and never ends; not even after death.
My mother is celebrating her eightieth birthday in a couple months. She is one of those women who needs nothing, and who finds happiness in the simplest things. I decided to pay tribute to her life, and especially her motherhood, buy selecting an assortment of Italian charms that would each have special meaning to her. Each charm reflects a certain period of her life as a wife, a mother and a grandmother. I’m sure it will bring tears for her, but I’m sure it will also remind her of many happy times with more to anticipate.
A new mother’s love is blind as she gazes at her red-faced, wrinkly, toothless newborn. She honestly believes her baby is the most beautiful in the world. Her love for this infant has grown as her womb has expanded. She has lovingly and unselfishly prepared for this moment, for her life as she has known it is changed forever with the birth of her child.
The mother of an obstinate two-year-old, whose boundaries are constantly being tested, patiently teaches the right way to behave. She allows her child to experience anger and frustration, but ignores tantrums, choosing instead to reward good behavior. This mother’s love is patient, for she understands this stage in her child’s life is short-lived.
The mother of the kindergartener learns to “let go” and allows her child to explore new experiences, meet new challenges, and discover ways to socialize with their peers. As the youngster grows into adolescence, the mother’s role changes with each stage; supporting, encouraging, and challenging the child to become independent. This mother’s love is constant.
The mother of the teen-ager experiences a love which is forgiving. Adolescents often test their boundaries; challenge the rules; bend the truth. Even though they are trying to be independent, they lack the maturity to do so. Often, mistakes are made. All a mother can do is encourage the child to learn from their mistakes; to take responsibility for their actions; to face the consequences. By doing so, she is enabling the child to grow into a self-reliant adult.
The child who becomes an adult understands and appreciates the love their mother has shown them over the years. They realize she has been their biggest fan; their strongest support; their best teacher; their most sincere critic. The mother of an adult child finally sees that her sacrifices and efforts in raising her child were not in vain. The love she has for her adult child is full of pride.
There is a special bond formed by mother and child once the child becomes a parent. The mother’s ever-changing role is now defined as “Grandmother”. This woman’s love has come full circle now because she understands the challenges her child will face in raising a child. She knows the rewards her child will receive. She appreciates the lessons in love that her grandchild will learn. For, there is no stronger love than that of a mother; and no love more rewarding than becoming a grandmother!
Let’s all celebrate mothers and all the things they are!
