Forgotten Mothers
The following post was originally posted two years ago, but it reflects a lot of my same thoughts today. I am a single mother, but luckily, I am able to support myself and my son and not have to struggle with the worries of the necessities of food and shelter. Thinking of these women who struggle daily to survive and to make a life for their children makes me thankful for what I do have, and less resentful of what I do not.
This weekend is Mother’s Day. It is a time for everyone to think of their mothers and/or spend time with them. I think every mother should be acknowledged on Mother’s Day, but I especially want to take a moment to remember the mothers who get forgotten.
If you are married with children, your spouse will buy a gift for the children to give you or encourage the children to draw you a card or serve you breakfast. Take a moment to remember the single mothers who are raising their children alone, and will spend Mother’s Day just like any other day, taking care of her children and struggling to survive.
If you live comfortably and will have the day off with your kids, celebrate that time. However, take a moment to remember some of these mothers:
Remember the mothers who worry daily if they will have enough money to feed their children.
Remember the mothers who struggle to keep their children healthy because they have no access to good insurance or healthcare.
Remember the mothers who have to work more than one job to survive.
This Mother’s Day, enjoy the time you sleep peacefully at night, knowing your children are safe and rested, and feel secure. Again, take a moment to remember these women:
Remember the mothers who cannot afford housing in a safe area, and worry if their children will be hit by a stray bullet while they are sleeping.
And please remember the mothers whose husbands are serving in the military, raising their children alone, living daily with so many fears much more important than a Mother’s Day gift.
I have a box of hand drawn, colored cards that my son has made for me through the years. They are beautiful, and mean more to me than any gift anyone could buy me. I used to envy what I did not have, but I am trying to be more cognizant of what I do have, while remembering there are so many people who have so much less than me. Luckily, even though I am a single mother, I have always been able to support myself and my son. There are so many women who are not so lucky. I cannot imagine what it must be like to work two or three jobs just to provide for my children’s basic needs.
These are the mothers who also deserve to be acknowledged on Mother’s Day. Their strength and determination can be an example for any of us. If you know a woman who might not have someone to arrange that very special Mother’s Day celebration for her, take a moment to wish her a Happy Mother’s Day and acknowledge the important role she plays in her children’s lives, every minute of every day. I promise you it will not only make you feel good, it will mean so much to her.
If you are a mother and feel unappreciated or feel like you get no acknowledgement, or no one in your family takes the time to even say Happy Mother’s Day, all you have to do is one thing: Look at your children. Do they feel loved? Do they know you will take care of them? Do they fall asleep at night knowing you will be there when they wake up? That means you have been acknowledged for Mother’s Day.
Happy Mother’s Day.
May 10th, 2008 at 4:28 pm
You made me stop and refelt on how lucky I am. I will think and pray for these Mother’s. Thanks for the reminder. I hope your Mother’s Day is great Trish.
May 16th, 2008 at 7:21 am
Happy belated mother’s day.