Mothers' Day - Honoring my Mother
On Mothers' Day our family would get together and give gifts to my dear mother. The little children made Mothers' Day cards decorated with little hearts and symbols of love and kisses, and crayoned pictures of a mother and children, all with a happy faces. The older children used their allowances to buy a kerchief, a pair of socks, or a new blouse. The big sisters prepared cupcakes and a special chocolate cake covered with sprinkles. At dinner my father spoke about our great American heritage, extolling the country's recognition of veterans, parents, and those with special needs. Only in America do we have days that honor fathers and mothers. It's a mitzvah - a commandment."
As a child I was taught in the Jewish private school I attended, that every day is father's and mother's day. Our teachers quoted the commandment, to honor your father and mother. My European teachers saw no reason for special dedications. Children were expected to revere and honor parents at all times and places. My teacher was fond of quoting a story in the Talmud of a student, Yosef, who, upon hearing the footsteps of his mother, would say "Let me stand up, for the Divine presence is approaching." Respect and love for parents were a given.
I marveled at my mother's super human skills. She arose early in the morning, prepared breakfast for all nine children plus a lunch for school. The night before she would prepare our clothing and our school knapsacks. When we came home there was always hot soup and something to eat. There is a neat saying that can apply to her: "G‑d cannot be everywhere, so he created mothers." Mom claimed that each child was special and she had no favorites. She once told me that I should think of myself as her only child and then I would be happy with all the love she would show. She once raised up her hands and counted her fingers "You see, I have 10 fingers, each one is important, each one has a purpose, nine fingers correspond to the nine kids of our home, the 10th finger is papa. Together we make a great important family." Each child was told that they carried a special name. We were all named after some relative who lived in the old country or a great spiritual leader. We were told, "You must bring honor to our name and family."
Growing up in the 1950s money was scarce, but my mother always found a way for us to have what we needed. The soup sometimes tasted a little bit watery but it was tasty and we all were thankful for it. I remember my little brothers and sisters asking my parents, "Why do the older siblings get to wear their clothing first?" Somehow, mom found time to teach us how to be decent kids. We all had chores and were expected to act accordingly. Last but not least, each of us graduated high school and went on to seminary. All five boys became rabbis and teachers, and my four sisters married rabbis and teachers. Our family grew by leaps and bounds enjoying the freedom and opportunities granted by our great country. I always thank G‑d for having such a wonderful mother.
Now, as Mother's Day comes along I think of the incredible sacrifices all mothers make to bring children into this world. How they selflessly care, doing everything possible for their children. Each child is a diamond, a blessing created by loving parents. I wonder if children feel the same way about their parents.
Recently, at an annual meeting in Chicago, some of the nation's 40,000 obstetricians and gynecologists met. Incoming president of the association, Dr. Thomas Purdon, asked the physicians to offer women of child-bearing age advance prescriptions called the 'morning after pill' to prevent pregnancy. He qualified his recommendation thinking that if women had unprotected sex, then they wouldn't have to suffer the consequences of children or abortion.
For the incoming president of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists to make such a recommendation before we celebrate Mothers' Day is repulsive. I believe that the esteemed doctor has a different idea of what mothers and motherhood are all about. Imagine if women would follow his advice: There would be no children and hence no Mothers' Day. With Mothers' Day so close it would have been more prudent for Dr. Purdon to give advice encouraging safe pregnancies and motherhood.
So this Mothers' Day remember to show your mother the respect she deserves. Happy Mothers' Day to all you wonderful mothers. G‑d bless you.