“And so our mothers and grandmothers have, more often than not, anonymously handed on the creative spark, the seed of the flower they themselves never hoped to see – or like a sealed letter they could not plainly read.”
-Alice Walker
Mom and Michael
Mother’s Day is this Sunday and I am fortunate to have my mother to celebrate with and to be a mother to twin boys. Motherhood was one job I wasn’t certain I’d get. Pregnancies came easily, children did not. During those difficult days, I spent a lot of time reflecting on what motherhood meant and how I would fulfill the mother in me if a child never came. My reflections lead me to realize, it was not the act of giving birth that would make me a mother, but rather embracing the maternal spirit that lies within all of us. The energy put into teaching, caring for animals, counseling our friends, volunteering for worthy causes, supporting our spouses and partners and even ourselves summons the mother inside.
As I celebrate Mother’s Day this year, I realize how lucky I was to grow up in a household where my mother cooked, quilted and gardened. Our home was humble, but beautifully appointed with hand me downs and flea market finds acquired for their potential which she artfully brought to the forefront. She taught me the importance of small thoughtful details and how beauty needn’t be expensive or grand. Through countless birthday and holiday celebrations, she educated me on the importance of tradition and hand-made gifts. Her domestic skills and gentle encouragement have certainly contributed to all aspects of my life including beebolt. Thank you Mom for handing me the creative spark.
