What is a mother? The dictionary says it is a "female parent" or "one who begets offspring". For me it represents many titles--cook, taxi driver, confidante, maid, Dr., nurse, teacher, and I'm sure we all could name several more. A mother is a nurturer; one who understands life's daily needs and responsibilities and helps her children develop the virtues of honesty, reliability, kindness, and integrity. She teaches them right from wrong and how to make good decisions. She tries to be a positive role model and set a good example in daily life. What does a child need and what do we as mothers try to provide:
1. Love--of God, country, family and community
2. Stability--always being available and providing moral and emotional support
3. Acceptance--loving them for who they are
4. Honesty--admitting when we are wrong and saying "I'm sorry" when needed
5. Responsibility--learning to accept a task and then following through until it's completed
6. Discipline--teaching them there are consequences for their actions
However, being a mother is sometimes an unappreciated job. As babies and young children they were cute, but work! Then came the tween years--OK--but not too bad. Then the teen years arrive and suddenly you've become the Enemy, or at least it often feels that way. It seems they've forgotten all the virtues you've been teaching all these years and conflicts arise. Petty jealousies can develop, whether it be with family or friends. Independence and decision making becomes a trial and error process. Keeping peace and balance of personalities is an ongoing job, but eventually, they should grow up and mature. Love and friendship will return--we hope!
Parenting is trying at times, but definitely rewarding. Which one of your children would you give back--I'm guessing, not one! God has blessed each of us with children. He expects us to do our best, love unconditionally, teach faith, and welcome Him into their lives. How our children perceive us as adults and how we carry on our daily activities, is how they may emulate us in their own lives someday! We hope we've done a good job!
Darlene Cyr is from Fort Wayne, indiana. She was born and raised in Williams County, ohio, the second daughter of seven children. After graduation from high school, she attended Lutheran Hospital School of Nursing, Fort Wayne, Indiana and graduated in 1966 as a registered nurse. Darlene married her husband, Alan in May, 1967 and they started their family the following year. Eight children and nine grandchildren followed. Most of Darlene's time has been devoted to raising children and being involved with their activities, but she enjoys reading and embroidering different items in her spare time. Darlene states that 'watching your children grow into caring and responsible adults is very gratifying and rewarding.' Darlene's local paper ran a nice article recently about her honor as Indiana's Mother of the Year.
Posted on
Mon, May 10, 2010
by Darlene Cyr
filed under