Take time to show appreciation for mothers
by Gita Howard
May 7, 2011
“Mother is the name for God in the lips and hearts of little children”
— William Makepeace Thackeray
Mother. It is a universally known word, one of the first words each baby learns. Everyone has a mother. Our mother, whether we are acquainted with her or not, was our first connection to this world. Though I do not really have a specific faith, being raised with a Hindu influence, I believe in God. Like most Hindus, I believe that one’s mother is a godly figure. God’s love offers the same comfort as a mother’s love. Even if someone has no relationship with her mother for whatever reason, to me, that connection with a mother’s love is so strong it never goes away, but continues in some form or another. Mother love is found everywhere through caring, comforting, and devoting one’s self to another. It is completely understandable why there is an entire day dedicated to celebrating this important figure.
Mothers are the true heroes of our society. Although we often pay tribute to musical artists, actors, scientists, or athletes, I firmly believe that a mother is the most deserving of this attention. While other figures are important, there is something spectacularly exceptional about one’s mother. There are many dedicated mothers, who would do absolutely anything for their child, who selflessly devote themselves to their families. It is truly amazing how much many mothers do for their loved ones. This is why I believe mothers are such a divine power — there is nothing in this world more giving.
There are many moving stories about mothers. My mother — a fantastic mother — gave up many of her dreams to give her children a better life. She is always caring and there for her children, while managing to be a well-respected Ph.D. professor. She could have taught full time at some really prestigious universities. But for the sake of her children, she focused a lot of her time on us. I find it extremely touching how a person can be so selfless and giving.
Even now, mothers have never been more important. With the state of the economy, and through catastrophes around the world, mothers are the ones who hold it all together, maintaining some sense of balance while the world is going crazy. Even when watching the news, one will find a mother in Japan, the Middle East, and all around the world selflessly tending to her child, comforting and convincing the child that everything is fine. In reality, her troubles are unfathomably immense.
It is my hope that this Mother’s Day, these women are given a lot of respect. I hope that everyone takes time to really appreciate these women, your own mother or mothers in general. I agree with the saying, “Being a full-time mother is one of the highest salaried jobs … since the payment is pure love.”
All children of the world can honor the generous sacrifices and selfless giving of so many mothers. They truly deserve it.
Gita Howard is a student at South Eugene High School. This column is coordinated by Lane Interfaith Alliance (LIA) to offer inspiration, share personal spiritual experiences and bring a deeper understanding of individual faith perspectives with the intention of blessing our community and the world. For information, visit www.laneinterfaithalliance.org or call 541-344-0430.