Author: Mother

The Difficulties of Mothering

Mothering Sunday is an appropriate time to consider that motherhood is not the sublimely positive experience so often portrayed – particularly today of all days.  It is also the ideal time to appreciate that, given the expectation of almost endless maternal sacrifice, one day of recognition is staggeringly disproportionate.

As mothers, in so many homes, joyfully welcome the cards, gifts and salutations of their loved ones, we push to the back of our minds the memory of all that we have done to organise the picture-perfect scene.  We choose not to remember that we did the shopping (often after earning the housekeeping), we enabled the creation of the “breakfast in bed” and lunch (which we will welcome with genuine delight) and that we will begin our next round of Spring Cleaning (kitchen first) tomorrow!

This is one of the difficulties of motherhood; sacrificing everything, visibly appreciating the minutiae of all that is offered by our dependents and constantly seeking to increase the opportunities for our loved ones’ futures.  All this done, whilst attempting to remain in the background and plan for an independent, exciting and positive adventure once our offspring attain adulthood and the mantle is passed on.

Mothers, you truly are amazing.  Enjoy your day!

iammother

Celibacy – The Forgotten Virtue

Absorbing all that politicians have been considering during the last few months has confirmed my position as “in the world, but not of it” completely.  This, in turn, has prompted more exploration of others with such an attitude.

Reading about the Amish principle of courtship which is never even slightly physical (let alone sexual) reveals a refreshing and inspirational concept.  It is Spring Cleaning.

Ponder, for a few minutes, your adult relationships.  How deep and meaningful would they be without physical contact – now and prospectively for years?  To assist in the analytical process, consider a few questions.

How well do you really know Person X?

What do you know about him/her?

What do you like about him/her?

What would you like to know?

How essential is your relationship?

Why does your relationship exist?

How healthy is your relationship?

How interesting is your relationship?

Is your relationship worth further investment of time, energy and emotion or would it be wiser to abandon it?

iammother

Lance Armstrong and Arduinos

Lance Armstrong; how very disappointing.

The arduino, purchased as a Christmas present for one of my children, has been a huge success and will pass into family legend as one of the most successful Christmas gifts ever.  It has occupied minds and resulted in hours spent on the computer, not in addicted and anti-social game playing, but in thoughtful and detailed programming.

We have been treated to speakers blaring, lights flashing in a variety of combinations as well as for varying lengths of time, and planned projects for movement sensors and remote controlled everything.  I have learnt the importance of brackets, spacing and repeated lines of code; it’s all a foreign language to me, but the general air of industry is gratifying to behold.

I wonder if Mr Armstrong’s thirteen year old son, who has defended him so vigorously and for so long, is finding joy and comfort in the gifts which he received at Christmas.  I sincerely hope that there is something, during this very confusing and difficult period of his life, which is bringing interest, distraction and bright dreams.

As parents, our responsibility and duty to be role models brimming with integrity and authenticity can never be overstated.

Live well, not merely for your own sake, but for that of the vulnerable and hopeful folk who are watching you.

 

iammother