The Perspective from Here
Mother's Day
We enter the month of May with many indicators that Mother's Day is fast approaching. From the advertising on our social media to in-store sales of flowers, chocolates, and everything a mom could ever need!
I have always felt that this day has become too commercialized. When I looked into the origin of Mother's Day, I was interested in discovering that Anna Jarvis from the US created the initial intent of the modern Mother's Day. Anna's mother, Ann Jarvis, had been a lifelong activist in the 1800s. She brought women together to help teach them how to care for their children and was interested in forming friendships between women regardless of political background. Anna believed that peace could be found through relationship building. Anna wanted to recognize her mother's activism after her passing and advocated in the States for a national day recognizing mothers.
Interestingly, a national day was established within 5 years of Anna setting out to do this in 1905. Also, interestingly was that before her death, Anna had been trying to dissolve Mother's Day as she felt it was becoming more focused on gifts rather than honouring mothers and their roles.
Through gathering at EarlyON, we know firsthand that a lot can be learned when we share our experiences and listen to others. I am grateful for the "village" I had when raising my two children. I am also grateful to my mother, who raised my three brothers and I.
This year I will travel to see my mom, and yes, I will give her flowers, but I will also take the time to honour all that she did in raising us, particularly her patience with my brothers, lol!
Perhaps you have your own Mother's Day traditions, or maybe this is your first May being a mom. This Mother's Day, I hope you are honoured for all you do and that you feel the love you deserve. I also hope you take a breath and are proud of yourself and all that you do. You are more than enough.
That's the perspective from here.
Stay well,
Pam Rennie, BA, BEd, RECE
