One Mother’s Day, my stepmom decided to throw a special gathering for her elderly mom. Great MaMa had many grand- and great-grandkids who could celebrate her being. My stepmom asked us to write down some memories, stories, poems about MaMa to share. I decided to write a poem about mothers in general, knowing that MaMa was similar in many ways to my own mother – a strong character who, despite a fragile appearance and often demure ways, could be very motherly and opinionated. Though sometimes difficult to live with, our mothers deeply love us. They come with their own backgrounds of pains and joys that create their personalities and can only do the best they know how (and are able) to lead their children to be good people. None is perfect, they can only try in their own way; and now that I see how hard it is to be a mother myself, I can forgive the imperfections.
My stepmom was onto something though. What a great gift to someone you love to put that love down in writing. What a joy and comfort to them to hold a little story of love that lifts their spirits and reminds them that their lives mean something to someone… a scrap of paper that can be pulled out when needed to brighten a day. So often we wait until too late to express our appreciation. Why not freely give out hugs and love now, while they are useful and enjoyed!
