Different Stages of a Mother’s Love Become a Piece of Jewelry
Saturday, February 20th, 2010Everyone has a story about their mother. Mothers are as different as their unique personalities. Some are patient and kind. Some are loud and obnoxious. Others are very opinionated. In spite of these characteristic differences in a mother's personality, they do the best that they can, as there is no wrong way to love their child.
Let me first point out that being a mother is the most challenging, yet rewarding, experience in a woman's life. Women have the ability to love their child unconditionally, in spite of the circumstances. It is said that a Mother's Love begins at the very thought of conception and never ends; not even after death.
My mother is celebrating her eightieth birthday in a couple months. She is one of those women who needs nothing, and who finds happiness in the simplest things. I decided to pay tribute to her life, and especially her motherhood, buy selecting an assortment of Italian charms that would each have special meaning to her. Each charm reflects a certain period of her life as a wife, a mother and a grandmother. I'm sure it will bring tears for her, but I'm sure it will also remind her of many happy times with more to anticipate.
For the mother who just gave birth to a red-faced, wrinkly skinned, squalling infant with no hair, no teeth, and no idea of who this woman is, her first comment is "Isn't my baby the most beautiful thing you've ever seen in your life?!" A new mother's love is blind.
The mother of an obstinate two-year-old, whose boundaries are constantly being tested, patiently teaches the right way to behave. She allows her child to experience anger and frustration, but ignores tantrums, choosing instead to reward good behavior. This mother's love is patient, for she understands this stage in her child's life is short-lived.
The mother of the kindergartener learns to "let go" and allows her child to explore new experiences, meet new challenges, and discover ways to socialize with their peers. As the youngster grows into adolescence, the mother's role changes with each stage; supporting, encouraging, and challenging the child to become independent. This mother's love is constant.
In a mother's eyes, her child can usually do no wrong, regardless of the circumstances. Not so true in the tumultuous adolescent years. Because the mother did such a good job of raising her child to be an independent, self-reliant individual, teen-agers often push themselves into adulthood before they are actually ready. Mistakes are made. Often, all a mother can do is guide the child to learn from their mistakes; to make better decisions; to accept that her child is not perfect. In this stage of motherhood, her love needs to be very forgiving and understanding.
The child who becomes an adult understands and appreciates the love their mother has shown them over the years. They realize she has been their biggest fan; their strongest support; their best teacher; their most sincere critic. The mother of an adult child finally sees that her sacrifices and efforts in raising her child were not in vain. The love she has for her adult child is full of pride.
There is a special bond formed by mother and child once the child becomes a parent. The mother's ever-changing role is now defined as "Grandmother". This woman's love has come full circle now because she understands the challenges her child will face in raising a child. She knows the rewards her child will receive. She appreciates the lessons in love that her grandchild will learn. For, there is no stronger love than that of a mother; and no love more rewarding than becoming a grandmother!
Let's all celebrate mothers and all the things they are!


