American Mothers, Inc.

The most powerful tribute to mothers I ever heard was given many years ago in Tokyo. The man speaking was the assistant to the US ambassador to Japan.  With his work at the state department he and his family had lived all over the world. He said ,  “ It doesn’t matter if we live a marble palace in Dubai or a 15 matt apartment  in rural Japan because  Hiromi carries everything she needs to be happy inside of her.”   When I heard these words I knew they were not only beautiful but profound.  It is crucial that we as mothers have a firm knowledge of who we are, what we believe in, deep inside. As we mother consistent with that internal knowledge we teach our children more by who we ARE than by what we say.   The mother who has what she needs inside isn’t constantly looking for new methods and isn’t seeking approval from others. This mother can quietly go about creating an environment where her family can thrive. So what are the facets of motherhood?     I believe that everything worthwhile a mother does can fit into one of three categories.

A mother gives life to the body.

A mother gives life to the mind.

A mother gives life to the spirit.

I was recently on a plane with my husband.   It was an island destination and most of  my fellow passengers were appropriately excited.  I noticed one rather quiet women flying by herself.  As I talked with her I discovered she had a daughter on the island who was very sick.  Of course, this daughter was grown with children of her own but still my new friend dropped everything to come and nurture, continuing to give life to the body  because she was a mother. When my oldest daughter was in her “why” stage we were sitting in the car and saw a woman drop and envelope in the mailbox.  (not far from here in Darien Ct.)  Not a surprise, my daughter asked,  “mommy why is that woman putting that envelope in that mailbox”  I’m sure I had already answered 7 million questions just that afternoon and so rather than answer I asked,  “Well, what are the possibilities?”  She thought for a minute then started with the obvious ,”maybe she’s inviting a friend to her birthday party.”  I continued to ask “what else”until finally my daughter said,  “I think she found an elephant in her bathtub and is trying to sell it to the zoo”     Ah imagination, curiosity, ideas!    It is a wonderful gift to give life to the mind..

With so many things going on in the world mothers must create space to nurture things of the spirit.  Even a small child can learn that prayers are heard far beyond the confines of the ceiling and that it is better to give than receive.   Time for meditation, for pondering  and nourishing the spirit is difficult to come by but this is the only way we can ensure that our children will carry everything inside that they need to be happy.

I love the many facets of motherhood that I see in this room. Those women I have just met and those I have known for years who work tirelessly for the cause of families.   You inspire me to be a better mother.   I hope we can each go back to our home states, filled inside with all we need to strengthen our communities one family at a time.   Thank you and may God  continue to bless the families of this great nation.

With five sisters, Valerie Earnshaw understands the power of woman.  By high school graduation, Valerie had lived in 11 homes, 6 states and attended 8 different schools.  Talk about lessons in embracing diversity.  Valerie graduated from college with degrees in Business Finance and Humanities including 6 months spent in Vienna, Austria.  She then joined Electronic Data Systems in a management training program working in Dallas, Frankfurt, Germany and Washington DC.  There she met and married her husband, Scott when he whisked her off to Tokyo where they spent most of the next 12 years having and raising their four children in that fast paced, multi-cultural environment.  Seeking a quieter life, the Earnshaw's moved to New Hampshire where they currently reside with their family.