My mom’s name was Shirley. When I came across this book several years ago, I had to buy it. Faithful Shirley. She was that and so much more. I miss her every day.
A day of mixed feelings. I’m grateful for my wonderful mom. I wish I could have known Don’s mother, but she died before we met. So many people have complicated relationships with their mothers. So many people didn’t have a mother who was part of their daily life. So many people yearning to be a mother. And on and on.
I didn’t particularly want children – I was a late bloomer, heading off to graduate school at the age of 30 – life became very, very busy after that and even if I had wanted to have children, there was no time. I’ve always believed that the decision to have a child must be taken very seriously and I didn’t want it enough. I had my motherhood urges fulfilled by my relationships with my many students and by my beloved dogs and I’m very grateful.
I want to pay tribute to my sister who is a devoted and fierce mother to 3 sons. I stand in awe of her. Her two oldest sons dealt with serious issues while growing up and she fought for them every day. She never gave up. As adults, both of them are strong, kind, good, smart and successful – in life and in love and in simply being decent human beings. And of course, there’s Little Z – I don’t know what would have happened to him if Mere hadn’t been his therapist, almost since birth. She fell in love with him – as did the rest of the family. She fights for him every day. And he thrives because of that.
You can have no greater advocate than my sister.
I love her more than I can say. Her sons adore her. They know how lucky they are.
So Happy Mother’s Day to my sister. And to all of you who are moms, whether of human beings or animals. To all of you who miss your mothers: I’m with you. I understand. To those who have lost children, my heart is with you today. My parents deeply mourned the loss of my brother. Watching them try to cope with that loss was heartbreaking. They never fully recovered from it.
I could go on and on.
I hope your day today is exactly what you want it to be.
Stay safe.
Happy Sunday.
