I heard somewhere that God created mothers so that He would have a person always there to watch over His little children. It makes sense. After all, children can be a handful.
I do not want to praise all mothers, because even if it is Mother’s Day this Sunday, not all mothers are worth shedding positive light upon. However, there are women who are incredibly strong creatures, who have spent their lives molding young, malleable minds. It is those women who, this Sunday or not, deserve their moment in the sun.
I chose not to name these women because they represent what all mothers should be.
At 16 years old she married. Four children and 57 matrimonial years later, this woman still waits up at night for her grandchildren to call her with their safe arrival to whatever destination. Her kindness has spread to her children and grandchildren, along with the important knowledge to care about human beings and their feelings. She cooks whatever favorite meal is desired; and each night before she lays to rest, she mouths the names of her loved ones and she prays to God to watch over her family.
The next woman loved to dance. However, once her child was born, she focused on raising her child alone rather than on what disco move was most popular. Her independence and pride made her own daughters stronger and helped them realize that nothing is done without cause or reason. People often mistake her to be her daughter’s sister due to her young appearance. She loves the compliment. Her children are her world; everything else is merely details in her life. She does not cry, but always seems to know when her children will.
Although this next woman probably never anticipated raising another child, when her daughter proved herself irresponsible with her grandchild, this woman stood up and took on the responsibility of starting over once again. Too often, she may feel like she is not truly appreciated. Yet, when her young granddaughter thanks her for keeping her safe and loved, it seems worth it. She is a hard worker, at one time commuting four hours to and from her job. This year is, sadly, her first year without her mother, which in itself is a reminder to tell our loved ones of their significance.
All women who contribute as mentors, friends, stepmothers or role models to the lives of children should be celebrated. Not only because of a holiday, but everyday. Mother’s Day was not created just so a person could take their mom out to brunch and spoil her, and then the next day, return to the same old, daily routine. Mothers are true guardian angels. Many mothers hold that title in high regard. Those who do not have a long journey ahead before coming to that realization.
For many people, taking care of oneself is hard enough. Motherhood is the commitment to watch over another human being for at least 18 years. The quote, “The decision to have a child, is the decision to let your heart walk outside of your body for the rest of your life,” says it all. Each person should have someone they can show appreciation toward for molding them into the person they are. Do not wait for a holiday to let someone know how he or she is exceptionally beautiful to your life.
When I am a mother, I will remember what each of these women have taught me over the years. It is their impressions on me that will someday go to my children, and for that I am thankful.
Mothers are indeed angels. God definitely had the right thing in mind.
Alisha Rosas, a sophomore journalism major, is managing editor of the Campus Times. She can be reached by e-mail at rosasa@ulv.edu.
