As defined by the dictionary, motherhood is the state of being a mother. And to be a mother is defined as a woman in relation to her child or children. In the animal kingdom, it’s defined as a female animal in relation to its offspring. In and of themselves, these are all widely accepted truths. And when Mother’s Day comes around as it does each year, we take a moment to celebrate and recognize the many gifts of love, admiration, and sacrifice that are graciously given or received. I posted my sentiments last year regarding this lovely day, and I couldn’t think of anything more that I could possibly add to that.
That is, until this past week when our beloved 24-year-old cat named Stinky passed away.
In the posting I wrote, I alluded to the fact that pets come into our lives somewhat like children in that not all are a planned event. They either walk, trot, crawl, swim, hop, or fly into our lives, and like real children, we lavish them with love and affection. I also mentioned in passing that although Stinky would be deeply missed, I was comforted by the thought of him being with his friends and his beloved mom. In case anyone missed the obvious, I was referring to my beloved CeCe. And that’s because we always referred to our animal companions as kids. It was a term of endearment to be sure, and one on which we certainly didn’t have any exclusive rights.
So as I realized that Mother’s Day was approaching on May 10th, I thought back to Stinky and Charlie and all of the companions we’ve had over the years. From the perspective of Mother’s Day, they provided an ample share of love and companionship to my beloved. On her best days, they supplied her with inspiration and endless laughter. But on her worst days, they gave exactly what she needed to rise above whatever darkness had befallen her, right up to the day she passed away from cancer. They gave her unconditional love, support, and strength of spirit. If you’d like to read about how such gifts are given by these companions, I encourage you to take a look at the article I wrote the day our beloved Charlie passed away.
So on this Mother’s Day, be sure to lavish the mothers in your life with all the love, admiration, and praise they so richly deserve. After all, none of us would be here if it weren’t for them. As I wrote last year:
Motherhood is transcendental; it navigates across every facet of nature and exemplifies the very definition of life on this planet. Mothers possess the enviable ability to see the world as a unified force and we, by the very nature of our existence, owe them our greatest measure of love. We owe them our lives.
And while you’re at it, be sure to include your mother’s other kids in the festivities. You know; the ones that bark, meow, nicker, chirp, or even moo. The kids she brought into your lives, or even the ones that you brought into her life years ago when you decided one day that you really didn’t want them anymore. Your mom did. She loved them, cared for them, and protected them. She gave them names and took them places and fawned over them in ways that brought her joy. And on those other 364 days of the year when time and circumstances don’t allow you to be in touch that often, those other kids will be there for her. They will give her love, keep her on her toes, and provide endless memories to fill her heart and keep her company. And although they will most likely be high maintenance (just like you were) they will, like you, remind her of just how much she’s loved and appreciated, unconditionally.
Happy Mother’s Day with love to the mothers in our lives from all the grateful and adoring sons and daughters across space, time and species.
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