When I had children God gave me the responsibility--to nurture and care for them. Showing a child love is one of the best ways to teach a child to love others. I think the ultimate goal of every Mother is to instill their family values in their children. I wanted them to be loving to God and to their friends, responsible adults, honest in their relationships with others, and be kind and considerate of the feelings of others. I always thought about what my Mother taught my siblings and I, to follow the Golden Rule.
My husband, Joseph, and I had four children. We advised them of the importance of a college education and each of the children did graduate college and are successful in their jobs. In addition to a Bachelor's Degree, one son has a law degree and our daughter has a Doctorate. Even though a child gets a degree, he may not follow a career path in that field. The most important thing is that they have a rewarding career; we are blessed that our children succeeded and are happy.
I do not think Motherhood ends just because your children are all grown. The grandchildren also need much guidance from their Grandma even though their parents are there for them. In a few months, I'll get to see what being a great grandma is like as two of my grandsons and their wives are expecting. I would love to be in close contact with all of the children and grandchildren, but sometimes that is impossible in the world of today. Their work and lives have taken some of them far away. About fifteen years ago, at the age of seventy-something, so I could be part of their lives in far away places, I jumped on the technology wagon. I've been emailing and video chatting with them for a number of years, but one of my younger granddaughters, age eight, just got an email account and we're going to have a wonderful time communicating in this medium. Love can come through technology.
In addition to the family, I think that nurturing and caring needs to go much farther. There are children that can be made to feel very special just by giving them a smile or talking with them. There are many opportunities to work with other children. I had a Day Care and Preschool with two partners and I was able to have contact with many children--nurturing, guiding and keeping them safe and happy while their parents worked. We tried to make them feel loved.
I tried to give my children guidance as they were growing up and the best way to do that is by example. I wanted them to be Christians--to know the love of God. We all attended church together. We ate as many meals together as a family as possible so we could have time to talk about their day and accomplishments. Everyone still loves to get together for big family dinners, and afterward we sit, talk and play games--truly the best family times.
Motherhood is very rewarding, as my children grew, I was able to see them become responsible citizens and develop a great work ethic; it makes a Mother proud. Watching them give to their children and the world is all that I could ask.
I think the most important facets of Motherhood include teaching your children and grandchildren spiritual, emotional, physical and mental values, and of course, showing them you love them.
Erma Fusco was born in Andover, Kansas, attended business college and worked for a physician. In 1945 she met a soldier in the Army Air Force named Joseph Fusco, from Brooklyn, New York. they fell in love and were married in 1946. They were married for 62 years and blessed with 4 children and 8 grandchildren. Erma has been active in the First Salem United Church of Christ, American Mothers, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and numerous community service projects including helping the homeless. Family time is spent enjoying meals together, games, traveling and now video chatting with her grandchildren. Erma owned and operated a daycare and preschool for almost 20 years and has cared for thousands of children. She is also a cancer survivor. Erma enjoys reaching out to all with love - the true meaning of motherhood.
Posted on
Wed, May 19, 2010
by Erma Fusco
filed under