There are so many people who contribute to our lives (and the lives of our children)—whether as hands-on caregivers or inspirationally. It’s been said that it takes a village to raise a child, and I believe it’s as true now as when it was originally spoken (or written?).
Growing up, my family was the traditional mom, dad, brother and me model. When my younger brother became school-aged, mom went back to work. Neighbors, friends, and grandparents helped out with “before” and “after” care over the years.
As I got older, there were many others whom-- like my favorite aunt, my first boss who is a Real Estate icon in Middlesex County and referred to herself as my “Jewish Mother”, my best friend’s brother who died of AIDS after a 9 year battle, and my former mother-in-law (what is the PC name for her since divorcing her son?...) -- contributed as either caregiver or influencer or both and helped me formulate who I am. They cared for me physically, but also taught me many things like to be honest, proud, fair, cynical, caring, loving, and empathetic, among others.
I don’t think Hallmark or any ecard could ever come close to describing who and what these people are to me—and some will affect still yet another generation, my children. Could there possibly be one word to describe them? Friend? Nurturer? Teacher? Guru? Nurse? Like Muir said, “we’re all hitched to the universe”. Are they all just the fabric of a collective soul? Are they each a square in my “quilt of life”? Maybe. And if so, perhaps I celebrate them each day of my life because I carry them with me wherever I go. And this Mother’s Day, when my two girls celebrate the person they call “mom”, they actually are celebrating all the people, places, conversations, songs, tears, and joys that have touched my life. Maybe Muir should have petitioned Hallmark for “Universe Day”
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4 comments:
Great post Suzanne! I had also thought of the term nurturer and you are right -- Hallmark will be a long time, if ever, in catching up with all the instances we would have to acknowledge someone's influence on our lives.
You were/are fortunate to have such people in your life!
Suzanne:
That was quite an informative post. I agree with you when you say it takes a number of people to raise a child. That is true. The more people they have shaping their life, the better. A child needs many people for many reasons. That was a great post. I am looking forward to more of your posts!
Thanks Dori & Trish! I truly believe that we are a product of our references, and as parents we are responsible for giving our children all that they can experience so they can be all that they can. In relation to gender, I am very open-minded and feel that this philosophy also relates to allowing your children to see and understand that there isn't a "cookie-cutter" existence for males and females. This is true as it applies to education, career choices, child-rearing, decision making, "heads" of households (why is there a head?), entertainment, hobbies, sports, sexual orientation, etc. Be what you feel and be true to yourself as long as your intentions are honest and fair. As a mother, I am not here to judge my children, though I know they will be judged by society. As long as they have this awareness and function as a responsible member of society, I can only hope they choose their own paths and do what they expect of themselves, not what society expects them to do simply because they are labelled "male" or "female".
I look forward to more blogging with you all!
Hi!Your comments are very nice and detaled,it is interesting to watch how the kids I had sort of similar experience as well.
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