When I look at my daughter Aine, I know that her joy as a child has been possible because she has a great mother. Annie is the kind of person who never likes attention or praise. So, I am sorry, but in this case, I will have to make her squirm a bit.
Because Annie has been a great mother. She has been nurturing Aine since the day she was born. Aine has been exposed to a wonderful world of cooking artfully and every lunch she opens has been created with a sense of culinary adventure by her mom. Filipino creations or a French inspired baguette sandwich or a seaweed wrapped Hawaiian spam-wich. It is amazing to see the love poured into good, creative food.
Annie is also a great mom in the time she takes with Aine. They go for walks with Capers and talk about things. Lately it has been about school, but also there is talk about art and music. Talk about science and history. Not in a lecturing way either, but usually with a question asked to hear what Aine has to say about her take on the world. Hearing it first from her child creates a wonderful bond. Annie has been an expert at this, I believe.
A great mother also instills morals and helps craft that compass that keeps us moving in the right direction. There are always challenges and decisions that a growing child encounters. Friends at school who may be experiencing difficulties at their home. Trying to discern right from wrong. All of these require a good ear and the chance to allow a child to come to her own conclusion. Guiding respectfully has been something that Annie has excelled at with Aine.
Annie has encouraged Aine to be an artist. She has been there to help Aine develop her talents whether it be with writing, piano or drawing. She introduced Aine to felting little creations and together they have spent time, quietly working on making tiny felt animals on a snowy afternoon.
And when it comes to patrolling social media, Annie has been firm in making sure that Aine doesn’t spend time lost in the countless hours that kids are exposed to these days.
Books, writing and even good conversation with a friend is what is encouraged.
I have to say that Annie is a good mother, because she has a good mother. Aine’s grandmother, in Filipino Lola, is also a wonderful to her. Displaying love, offering advice and yet being playful at times with her. It is a joy to see that Aine has not only her mom, but grandmother who deeply cares about her. When Aine was but a baby, I knew that my own mother wouldn't live long enough to see her grow up. It was the greatest gift for my own mother that Annie's mother has displayed such an abundance of love worthy of two grandma's. I know my mother in heaven is so grateful and proud.
Mother’s Day comes every year, but truly Mother’s Day is every day when raising a child. The joy of seeing a child blossom takes consistent love and patience. And not only is Aine raised by a great mom, but many of her friends also have been raised by good mothers. Whenever the world gets a bit shaky and times get rough, I take comfort in knowing that such good mothers are still out there, making this world a better place, one child at a time.
Happy Mother’s Day.
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