To All The Mothers...

   This is for all the mothers who froze their buns off on metal bleachers at football games Friday night instead of watching from cars, so that when their kids asked, "Did you see me?" they could say, "Of course, I wouldn't have missed it for the world," and mean it.
    This is for all the mothers who have sat up all night with sick toddlers in their arms, wiping up barf laced with Oscar Mayer wieners and cherry Kool-Aid saying, "It's OK honey, Mommy's here."
    This is for all the mothers of Kosovo who fled in the night and can't find their children.
    This is for the mothers who gave birth to babies they'll never see. And the mothers who took those babies and made them homes.
    For all the mothers of the victims of the Colorado shooting, and the mothers of the murderers. For the mothers of the survivors, and the mothers who sat in front of their TV's in horror, hugging their child who just came home from school, safely.
    For all the mothers who run carpools and make cookies and sew Halloween costumes. And all the mothers who DON'T.
    What makes a good Mother anyway? Is it patience? Compassion? Broad hips?  The ability to nurse a baby, cook dinner, and sew a button on a shirt, all at the same time? Or is it heart?  Is it the ache you feel when you watch your son or daughter disappear down the street, walking to School alone for the very first time? The jolt that  takes you from sleep to dread, from bed to crib at 2 A.M. to put your hand on the back of a sleeping baby?
    The need to flee from wherever you are and hug your child when you hear news of a school shooting, a fire, a car accident, a baby dying?
    This is for all the mothers that sat down with their children and explained all about making babies. And for all the mothers who wanted to but just couldn't.
    This is for reading "Goodnight, Moon" twice a night for a year. And then reading it again. "Just one more time."
    This is for all the mothers who mess up. Who yell at their kids in the grocery store and swat them in despair and stomp their feet like a tired two-year old who wants ice cream before dinner.
    This is for all the mothers who taught their daughters to tie their shoelaces before they started school. And for all the mothers who opted for Velcro instead.
    For all the mothers who bite their lips -- sometimes until they bleed -- when their 14-year-olds dye their hair green.  Who lock themselves in the bathroom when babies keep crying and won't stop.
    This is for all the mothers who show up at work with spit-up in their hair and milk stains on their blouses and diapers in their purse. This is for all the mothers who teach their sons to cook and their daughters to sink a jump shot.
    This is for all mothers whose heads turn automatically when a little voice calls "Mom?" in a crowd, even though they know their own offspring are at home.
    This is for mothers who put pinwheels and teddy bears on their children's graves.
    This is for mothers whose children have gone astray, who can't find the words to reach them.
    This is for all the mothers who sent their sons to school with stomachaches, assuring them they'd be just FINE once they got there, only to get calls from the school nurse and hour later asking them to please pick them up. Right away.
    This is for young mothers stumbling through diaper changes and sleep deprivation. And mature mothers learning to let go. For working mothers and stay-at-home mothers. Single mothers and married mothers. Mothers with money, mothers without. This is for you all. So hang in there.
    Please pass along to all the moms in your life.  "Home" is what catches you when we fall - and we all fall. PLEASE PASS THIS TO A WONDERFUL MOTHER YOU KNOW.

Author Unknown
Since the writer wanted her message passed along --
We share it with you.

~~~ Top - Directory ~~~

Motherhood....It Will Change Your Life

    We are sitting at lunch when my daughter casually mentions that she and her husband are thinking of "starting a family." "We're taking a survey," she says, half joking. "Do you think I should have a baby?"
    "It will change your life," I say carefully, keeping my tone neutral. "I know," she says, "no more sleeping in on the weekend, no more spontaneous vacations..."
    But that is not what I meant at all. I look at my daughter, trying to decide what to tell her. I want her to know what she will never learn in child birth classes. I want to tell her that the physical wounds of child bearing heal, but that becoming a mother will leave her with an emotional wound so raw that she will be forever vulnerable.
    I consider warning her that she will never read a newspaper again without asking "What if that had been MY child?" That every plane crash, every fire will haunt her.
    That when she sees pictures of starving children, she will wonder if anything could be worse than watching your child die. I look at her carefully manicured nails and stylish suit and think that no matter how sophisticated she is, becoming a mother will reduce her to the primitive level of a bear protecting her cub.
    That an urgent call of "Mom!" will cause her to drop a soufflé or her best crystal without a moment's hesitation.
    I feel I should warn her that no matter how many years she has invested in her career, she will be professionally derailed by motherhood. She might arrange for child care, but one day she will be going into an important business meeting and she will think about her baby's sweet smell. She will have to use every ounce of her discipline to keep from running home, just to make sure her baby is all right.
    I want my daughter to know that everyday decisions will no longer be routine. That a five year old boy's desire to go to the men's room rather than the women's at McDonald's will become a major dilemma. That right there, in the midst of clattering trays and screaming children, issues of independence and gender identity will be weighed against the prospect that a child molester may be lurking in that restroom.
    However decisive she may be at the office, she will second-guess herself constantly as a mother.
    Looking at my daughter, I want to assure her that eventually she will shed the pounds of pregnancy, but she will never feel the same about herself. That her life, now so important, will be of less value to her once she has a child. That she would give it up in a moment to save her offspring, but will also begin to hope for more years - not to accomplish her own dreams, but to watch her child accomplish theirs.
    I want her to know that a cesarean scar or shiny stretch marks will become badges of honor.
    My daughter's relationship with her husband will change, but not in the ways she thinks. I wish she could understand how much more you can love a man who is always careful to powder the baby or never hesitates to play with his child. I think she should know that she will fall in love with him again for reasons she would now find very unromantic.
    I wish my daughter could sense the bond she'll feel with women throughout history who have tried desperately to stop war and prejudice and drunk driving. I hope she will understand why I can think rationally about most issues, but become temporarily insane when I discuss the threat of nuclear war to my children's future. I want to describe to my daughter the exhilaration of seeing your child learn to ride a bike.
    I want to capture for her the belly laugh of a baby who is touching the soft fur of a dog or cat for the first time. I want her to taste the joy that is so real, it actually hurts.
    My daughter's quizzical look makes me realize that tears have formed in my eyes. "You'll never regret it," I say finally. Then I reach across the table, squeeze my daughter's hand, and offer a silent prayer for her, and for me, and for all of the mere mortal women who stumble their way into this most wonderful of callings. The blessed gift of being a Mother.

Author Unknown
Submitted by Zax

~~~~~

~~~ Top - Directory ~~~

The Images of Mother:

4 Year of Age: My Mommy can do anything!
8 Year of Age: My Mom knows a lot! A whole lot!
12 Year of Age: My Mother doesn't really know quite everything.
14 Year of Age: Naturally, Mother doesn't know that, either.
16 Year of Age: Mother? She's hopelessly old-fashioned.
18 Year of Age: That old woman? She's way out of date!
25 Year of Age: Well, she might know a little bit about it.
35 Year of Age: Before we decide, let's get Mom's opinion.
45 Year of Age: Wonder what Mom would have thought about it?
65 Year of Age: Wish I could talk it over with Mom.

~~~ Top - Directory ~~~

And Your Occupation is?  Mother

    A few months ago, when I was picking up the children at school, another mother I knew well rushed up to me. Emily was fuming with indignation. 
    "Do you know what you and I are?" she demanded. 
    Before I could answer, and I didn't really have one handy, she blurted out the reason for her question. 
    It seemed she had just returned from renewing her driver's license at the County Clerk's office. Asked by the woman recorder to state her occupation, Emily had hesitated, uncertain how to classify herself. 
    What I mean is," explained the recorder, "Do you have a job, or are you just a ...?" 
    "Of course I have a job," snapped Emily. "I'm a mother." 
    "We don't list 'mother' as an occupation...'housewife' covers it," said the recorder emphatically.
    I forgot all about her story until one day I found myself in the same situation, this time at our own Town Hall.
    The Clerk was obviously a career woman, poised, efficient, and possessed of a high-sounding title like Official Interrogator or Town Registrar.
    "And what is your occupation?" she probed. 
    What made me say it, I do not know. The words simply popped out. "I'm a Research Associate in the field of Child Development and Human Relations."
    The clerk paused, ball-point pen frozen in midair, and looked up as though she had not heard right. I repeated the title slowly, emphasizing the most significant words. Then I stared with wonder as my pompous pronouncement was written in bold, black ink on the official questionnaire.
    "Might I ask," said the clerk with new interest, "just what you do in your field?" Coolly, without any trace of fluster in my voice, I heard myself reply, "I have a continuing program of research (what mother doesn't) in the laboratory and in the field (normally I would have said indoors and out). I'm working for my Masters (the whole darned family) and already have four credits (all daughters)."
    "Of course, the job is one of the most demanding in the humanities (any mother care to disagree?) and I often work 14 hours a day (24 is more like it). But the job is more challenging than most run-of-the-mill careers and the rewards are in satisfaction rather than just money."
    There was an increasing note of respect in the clerk's voice as she completed the form, stood up, and personally ushered me to the door.
    As I drove into our driveway, buoyed up by my glamorous new career, I was greeted by my lab assistants - ages 13, 7, and 3. Upstairs I could hear our new experimental model (6 months) in the child-development program, testing out a new vocal pattern. I felt triumphant! I had scored a beat on bureaucracy! And I had gone on the official records as someone more distinguished and indispensable to mankind than "just another mother."
    Motherhood...what a glorious career. Especially when there's a title on the door.

~~~ Top - Directory ~~~

Things My Mother Taught Me

My Mother taught me LOGIC..."If you fall off that swing and break your neck, you can't go to the store with me." My Mother taught me MEDICINE..."If you don't stop crossing your eyes, they're going to freeze that way." My Mother taught me TO THINK AHEAD..."If you don't pass your spelling test, you'll never get a good job!" My Mother taught me ESP..."Put your sweater on; don't you think that I know when you're cold?" My Mother taught me TO MEET A CHALLENGE..."What were you thinking?  Answer me when I talk to you...Don't talk back to me!" My Mother taught me HUMOR..."When that lawn mower cuts off your toes, don't come running to me." My Mother taught me how to BECOME AN ADULT..."If you don't eat your vegetables, you'll never grow up. My mother taught me ABOUT SEX..."How do you think you got here?" My mother taught me about GENETICS..."You are just like your father!" My mother taught me about my ROOTS..."Do you think you were born in a barn?" My mother taught me about the WISDOM of AGE..."When you get to be my age, you will understand." My mother taught me about ANTICIPATION..."Just wait until your father gets home." My mother taught me about RECEIVING..."You are going to get it when we get home." And, my all-time favorite - JUSTICE..."One day you'll have kids, and I hope they turn out just like YOU -- then you'll see what it's like." Submitted DkSdBubba

~~~ Top - Directory ~~~

You've Turned Into A Mom When:

You automatically double-knot everything you tie. You find yourself humming the Barney song as you do the dishes. You hear a baby cry in the grocery store, and you start to gently sway back and forth, back and forth. However, your children are at school! You actually start to like the smell of strained carrots mixed with applesauce. You weep through the scene in Dumbo when his mom is taken away, not to mention what Bambi does to you. You get soooo into crafts you contemplate writing a book called 101 Fun Crafts to do with Dryer Lint and Eggshells. You spend a half hour searching for your sunglasses only to have your teenager say, "Mom, why don't you wear the ones you pushed up on your head?" You are out for a nice romantic meal with your husband, enjoying some real adult conversation, when suddenly you realize that you've reached over and started to cut up his steak!

~~~ Top - Directory ~~~

A Mother

For those who are lucky to still be blessed with your Mom, this is beautiful.  For those who have lost their mothers, this is even more beautiful. I received this from my long time (since I was 2) friend Darla and her friend Lucy in New Jersey, I knew the moment I read it, that I wanted to share it today. (Submitted by NancyF 10/3/05):

     The young mother set her foot on the path of life. "Is this the long way?" she asked.
     And God answered her "Yes, this way is hard, and you will be old before you reach the end of it. But the end will be better than the beginning."
      But the young mother was happy, and she would not believe that anything could be better than these years. So she played with her children, she fed them and bathed them, taught them how to tie their shoes and ride a bike, and reminded them to feed the dog and do their homework and brush their teeth. The sun shone on them and the young Mother cried, "Nothing will ever be lovelier than this."
      Then the nights came, and the storms and the path was sometimes dark, and the children shook with fear and cold, and the mother drew them close and covered them with her arms and the children said, "Mother, we are not afraid, for you are near, and no harm can come."
     And the morning came, and there was a hill ahead, and the children climbed and grew weary, and the mother was weary. But at all times she said to the children, a little patience and we are there."
     So the children climbed and as they climbed they learned to weather the storms. And with this, she gave them strength to face the world.
     Year after year she showed them compassion, understanding, and hopes, but most of all...unconditional love.
     And when they reached the top they said, "Mother, we would not have done it without you."
     The days went on, and the weeks and the months and the years, and the mother grew old and she became little and bent. But her children were tall and strong, and walked with courage. And the mother, when she lay down at night, looked up at the stars and said, "This is a better day than the last, for my children have learned so much and are now passing these traits on to their children."
     And when the way became rough for her, they lifted her, and gave her their strength, just as she had given them hers. One day they came to a hill, and beyond the hill they could see a shining road and golden gates flung wide.
     And Mother said: "I have reached the end of my journey. And now I know the end is better than the beginning, for my children can walk with dignity and pride, with their heads held high, and so can their children after them."
     And the children said, "You will always walk with us, Mother, even when you have gone through the gates."
     And they stood and watched her as she went on alone, and the gates closed after her.
     And they said: "We cannot see her, but she is with us still. A 
Mother is more than a memory. She is a living presence. Your Mother is always with you. She's the whisper of the leaves as you walk down the street, she's the smell of certain foods you remember, flowers you pick and perfume that she wore, she's the cool hand on your brow when you're not feeling well, she's your breath in the air on a cold winters day. She is the sound of the rain that lulls you to sleep, the colors of a rainbow, she is your birthday morning. Your Mother lives inside your laughter and she's crystallized in every tear drop.
     A mother shows every emotion...happiness, sadness, fear, jealousy, love, hate, anger, helplessness, excitement, joy, sorrows - all the while hoping and praying you will only know the good feelings in life.
     She's the place you came from, your first home, and she's the map you follow with every step you take. She's your first love, your first friend, even your first enemy, but nothing on earth can separate you.
     Not time, not space, not even death!

Author Unknown

Gift Ideas For Mother's Day

100's of Jokes & Cartoons A Little Bit of Humor... What Moms REALLY want for Mother's Day: To be able to eat a whole candy bar by herself, and drink a glass of Coke without any "floaters". To have my 14-year-old answer a question without rolling her eyes in that "Why is this person my mother?" way. Five pounds of chocolate that won't add twenty. A shower, without a child peeking through the curtain with a "Hiya, Mom" just as I put razor to my ankle. A full-time cleaning person, who looks like Brad Pitt. For my teenager to announce, "Hey, Mom! I got a full scholarship and a job all in the same day!" A grocery store that doesn't have candy, gum, or cheap toys displayed at the checkout line. To have a family meal without a discussion about bodily secretions. To be able to sit down on a plane with my toddlers and not have some pencil-neck-yuppie moan, "Ohhh, nooo! Why me?" Four words: Fisher Price Play Prison. Submitted by Gr8SmokyMt

~~~~~

Searching for unique Mothers Day gifts?
How about a special Mother's Day plant?
Or perhaps one of these stunning Mothers Day gift baskets -
featuring pampering spa gift baskets, and divine chocolate gift baskets!

~~~~~

Online Discount Mart Home & Garden Decorating Products www.onlinediscountmart.com Check out some of our most popular home & garden merchandise! Fountains Many styles plus fountain supplies & pumps. Garden Gnomes Add a playful touch to your backyard decor! Plant Stands Many styles available - both indoor & outdoor. Wind Chimes All kinds of windchimes - animals, garden, pewter, indoor, outdoor & more! Garden Statues Garden statues & sculptures, cherubs, angels, lions, children and more! Farm Bells Rusted Rooster Dinner Bell Perfect accessory to any country or rooster decor. The above items are just a few examples of hundreds of home decorating and garden items available from Online Discount Mart. All items usually ship within one business day. Perfect for your gift-giving needs! Online Discount Mart 1-800-763-4177                www.onlinediscountmart.com

~~~ Top - Directory ~~~

Links to Other Mother's Day Sites

We had so many links for other good Mother's Day Web sites,
we made a separate page!
Links to other Mother's Day Sites

 

Inspiration & Motivation Thoughts... "I've learned that I wish I could have told my mom that I love her one more time before she passed away." -- Andy Rooney

---

~~ Top of Page ~~

Pages of Interest for Parents & Grandparents from ButlerWebs:

• Holidays - Father's Day

• Holidays - Mother's Day

  • Mother's Day Links

• Humor - Kids In Church

• Humor - Kids Say & Do The Funniest Things

• Humor - Parents & Grandparents - Page 1

• Humor - Parents & Grandparents - Page 2

• Links Just For Parents & Grandparents

• Poems Just For Parents & Grandparents

• Special:  "Dad's Brownies"

• Special: I Am A Mom

• Special: "The Meanest Mother In The World" Copyright 1967 by Bobbie Pingaro

Quick Links to the HOLIDAY Pages from ButlerWebs:
Holidays - Home Page & Index
[ Anniversaries (Wedding) ] [ Birthdays ] [ Christmas ] [ Easter ] [ Father's Day ] [ Flag Day ] [ Halloween ] [ Independence Day - 4th of July ] [ Links for Other Holiday Web Sites ] [ Memorial Day ] [ Mothers' Day ] [ St. Patrick's Day ] [ Thanksgiving ] [ Valentine's Day ] [ Veteran's Day ] [ Holiday Calendar for 2007, 2008 & 2009 ] [ January ] [ February ] [ March ] [ April ] [ May ] [ June ] [ July ] [ August ] [ September ] [ October ] [ November ] [ December ]

Quick Links to the General Webs Categories from ButlerWebs:
General Webs - Home Page & Index
[ America & The 50 States ] [ Animals, Pets & Critters ] [ Automotive ] [ Camping & Hiking ] [ Collectibles - Items For Sale ] [ Computers & Internet ] [ Entertainment ] [ Fishing ] [ Friends & Friendship ] [ Gambling - Bingo, Casinos, Lottery ] [ Gardening ] [ Holidays, Observances, Celebrity Birthdays ] [ Hunting ] [ Inspiration & Motivation ] [ Just For... ] [ Military - Armed Forces ] [ Music & Song Lyrics ] [ Older Folks & Seniors ] [ Parents & Grandparents ] [ Recipes, Food & Beverage ] [ Sports ] [ September 11, 2001 - America's Tragedy ] [ Travel & Vacation ] [ Weddings ] [ Word Fun ]

This page was last edited 04/07/08.