It
was Dad’s turn on Mother’s Day to fix the meal, and as the children grew
older we took it over.
As
children, we also would give my mother a gift. We didn’t have a lot of
money, so they were usually simple gifts, either handmade cards, crafts we
had made ourselves, or discount-store-bought socks, nylons, or a robe.
I
think my mother, as all mothers do, held onto those letters and mementos
that had long-lasting appeal…at least for a while.
From
my own experience, I know with my children that if I get a special picture
or handwritten “I love you, Mom” I’ll post it in my office as a constant
reminder that my children and family are the sweetest part of life.
|
I spoke with
National Mother of the Year Rosalie Gaziano about the status of
mothers and motherhood today as she concludes her time of holding
this White House-revered position. These are some of her thoughts:
What have you seen
in the world regarding women and motherhood during this past year?
Women wonder if
having a family is worth it in this day and age. They wonder how to
re-balance it. There are so many choices.
I say look at the
fruits. Yes, there are the sacrifices. But, what we garner as a
team and what we learn in the relationship as a family is second to
none. The family is the best nurturing unit that teaches each of us
to be better people.
Love entails
commitment and sacrifice. When speaking of motherhood, there is no
treasure like a treasure of an everlasting soul that we hold in our
hands as protecting parents.
Through
motherhood, we see things in new ways. In the process we are
broadened. The point of mothering is to give beyond yourself.
Mothering in my heart means nurturing someone beyond yourself.
|
Photo: Rosalie Gaziano
National Mother of the Year Rosalie Gaziano stands in front of the
West Virginia capitol building. |
Is mothering easier or just different nowadays?
I
think it is different. The world is changing to be less simple and more
complicated. There are so many enticing things.
However, human nature remains steadfast. Even though we change in our
work, we need the same attributes to make us happy. We need to love,
give, and to accomplish.
What
we want to do is to make the best choices of those choices that are out
there.
Most mothers are educated these days and often make career versus family
choices. How do you see that impacting families or children?
In
my case, I always wanted to write. Then I had a big family. I wondered
if I could do it all at once, as I was working at night with research.
Then I realized that I had to blend better and figure out how I could do
each. I now (at a different time in my life) can do all my writing.
I
think that balance keeps our lives fuller. We need a little patience to
do both well. The choice is tough.
My
husband and I have always had to work as a team. The family was part of a
work ethic.
We
had to make real sacrifices and real choices. But, because we worked
together we had loving moments, and we saw the moments of traditional
celebrations and rites and passages with support. You don’t want to miss
the joy of continuity of life.
We
Americans buy into what is glamorous too quickly. The truth (of what
brings actual happiness) does not depend on the world’s view at the time.
I think you have to be steadfast and work through things yourself.