| The baby had been up several times in the night. My mother ears told me it was croup. It took three tries before I got her throat open enough so she could sleep comfortably. In the morning, her throat was still tight. Although I thought we could ride out the three-day croup cycle, this was Hallie, the kid with the genetically weakened immune system. I called the pediatrician. The receptionist said to come at 11. I had to leave by 10:30. But before I left, I had to read history, consult on chemistry and physical science, and give lunch instructions. On the way to town, I turned on Rush Limbaugh. Limbaugh was detailing leftist attacks on Mother’s Day. He read a column by a liberal female journalist, who seemed to be saying that Mother’s Day should not be universally observed. Only mothers who were worthy--not just women who had had babies--should be honored. She ended by calling mothers to evaluate themselves, saying we needed to look into a mirror. Her challenge was not honorable--her intent was to make mothers find themselves wanting. Even so, I looked in the rearview mirror. The hair was flat, having been left to dry because I was late for homeschool. The morning Mary Kay miracle treatment had failed to lighten the dark circles left by sleeplessness. What kind of a mother was I? I had abandoned seven at home for the sake of one. And this one, whom I had brought into the world, was imperfect. In my pro-life, pro-God zeal, I had accepted her, dooming her to a life of struggle. What kind of mother was I? I was hot and tired. And I was annoyed that some faceless journalist (who had probably never changed a cloth diaper) dared to judge me and millions of other mothers. No mother is perfect. Some (many here on Guam) are too young for the task they have brought upon themselves. Some are too old to keep up with their progeny. Many lack wisdom. Some yell. Others are sensible and quiet. Some are organized; others take their babies out in mismatched socks. But despite our weaknesses, very few mothers are total failures, because most of us do love our children. We want the best for them, no matter the cost to us. For this reason, we imperfect, sometimes unworthy, mothers should be recognized on Mother’s Day/ Happy Mother’s Day! God bless us, every one. |