| |
More Mothering Needed!
One of the differences of the Australian Aboriginal culture to ours is that when a child is born, the child is not raised to consider the birth mother their only mother or the father their only dad. The reason for this, of course, is that upon the untimely death of their birth parents, the child is never orphaned.
There are other cultural differences of the Aborigine people that I have experienced during my visits to the Outback that I am happy are not part of ours, (like dining on live witchetty grubs - fat, hairless caterpillars found inside tree bark). But, I am certain their “No Orphan” practice should be a global one.
You may have read in my newsletters over the years about some young girls with difficult situations who landed in my lap through my journey with Moms on the Move. One of them, Nakiema, is a mom, herself. She is one of the most loving, selfless and nuturing mothers I have ever known, especially, given the very sad childhood she endured. In fact, last year, her brood grew to include a daughter with the untimely death of her sister to a house fire.
Like Nakeima, many children and young adults, missed being mothered because their mom died young or suffered from mental illness, drug addiction, or other personal challenges.
When Nakeima showed up in my life in 2002, I realized how fortunate my children were to have such a close family, and that a close family did not mean a “closed” family. Love and mothering have no bounds and this world will be so much better with a lot more mothering.
I believe the rule of thumb is this; “If it lands in your lap, you’re meant to act on it.” You could choose to stand up and walk away but know that when you act with love, everything you need, no matter how much you think you don’t have to be of help, will show up for you. And, you will find the outcome of your actions will bring you more joy than you ever could have imagined!
So, this Mother’s Day, as your children bring you breakfast in bed and present you with handmade cards, think about who else may need a little mothering from you this day. Perhaps it is one of your child’s friends, a neighbor, even an elderly person.
I am looking forward to spending time with as many of my own kids, extra kids and grandkids. I expect a lot of hugs!
Hope your Mother’s Day is filled with joy and lots of hugs too!
Discusss Linda's Thoughts of The Day More Mothering Needed! Now!
|
|
