Motherhood seems to have taken some bashes in the past few weeks, but the art of being a mother is very serious business. It isn't just a glorified word either; like the title of "Queen," it is a name you have for life. Remember the Queen Mum Elizabeth? Beloved and honored, she wasn't just a mother to two daughters, one a Queen herself and the other a Princess. She was England's mother, a lady of grace, humor and motherly wisdom.
Motherhood is a state unto itself. This is an article about all the people who take on the role of mother. It is for those who may not have the title but who do the job of mothering. To all of you, I offer a big thank, you because the position of being a Mom isn't an easy one. It's difficult, demanding, exasperating and exhausting and -- surprise! -- those who mother us take it on willingly.
Motherhood doesn't have one particular image. It is not a one-look-fits-all position. Mothers are as varied as the people of the world. Moms can resemble anyone from Auntie Em in "The Wizard of Oz" to the lovely Gwyneth Paltrow. (And speaking of Auntie Em, auntie she may have been, but she took on the role of mother for Dorothy!)
Moms are intelligent, good-looking, active and independent. They're sexy, too, and yes, kids, we do have sex! We're normal, and that's something for which you should be grateful!.
Mothers don't even have to be female; sometimes dads or granddads take on the role of "mothering" when needed and do a great job of it.
Being a mother cannot even begin to be described in the dictionary. No definition takes into account all that mothering requires. Motherhood is not neat; it is messy. It isn't easy. It is the hardest job in the world. A child is loved, nurtured, cried over, helped, healed and given your heart. Sometimes that precious baby ends up breaking the heart you gave so unreservedly. It is emotionally and physically draining. It is heartache when they hurt, heart-happy when they are well, and heart pride at their accomplishments.
A mother doesn't have to give birth to her child. The term "biological" has little to do with the capacity to love a child. A child becomes yours through the years you raise and care for him or her. They become yours simply because you care enough about them to be there to protect and love them. Adoption is only a word, but mothering is an action. God bless all mothers who take children into their hearts and homes to love.
Motherhood is earned, oh boy is it earned! It is earned in tears, sleepless nights and agonized worrying. It is earned in fears you have for your child; fears of devastating illness, fears of accidents and fears of the craziness of the world in which we live.
Mothering knows no age limits. Grandmothers who have raised their own children may suddenly find themselves becoming a Mom to grandchildren when, for one reason or another, no one else can care for them. They step up to the plate admirably to give love and caring.
And let's not forget all the women who have gotten bad press over the centuries due to that Cinderella fairy tale thing. Step-mothers can be awesome loving individuals. I know this personally.
So to all the moms of every possible kind, I dedicate this article; Happy Mothers Day. One day of the year is not enough to honor you. The gift you give us is, as the commercial says, priceless!
God bless you endlessly!
© 2012 copyright Kristen Houghton
"And Then I'll Be Happy! Stop Sabotaging Your Happiness and Put Your Own Life First" ranked in the top 100 books by Tower Books.com
new by Kristen Houghton
Kristen Houghton is the author of the hilarious new book, No Woman Diets Alone - There's Always a Man Behind Her Eating a Doughnut in the top 10 hot new releases at Amazon available now on Kindle, Nook, and all e-book venues.
You may email her at kch@kristenhoughton.com.