I watched my wife give birth to both our sons. For birth alone, mothers should be honored throughout their lives.
You’ll do for now, Daddy, but we want Mommy.
I know a lot of my readers are mothers and grandmothers. I bow down to you and hope you enjoy this holiday in your honor. I know that many of you work, raise children, and blog which is like having three full-time jobs at once. You are my heroes and you inspire me to make the world a better place.
Women and mothers have been working two to three “jobs” for as long as I can remember. My mom was a Den Mother, Amway Salesperson, Fruit Stand manager, Homemaker, House cleaner, Cook, Dishwasher, Recycler, Chauffeur, Tutor, and Church Volunteer for most of my childhood. My paternal Grandmother labored in the peet moss of the San Joaquin Delta from sunrise to sundown and still managed to feed, clothe, and tend to her husband, children, grandchildren, and, later, her great grandchildren.
My wife runs a successful private practice as a psychologist. For a while, she was moonlighting–running her private practice while still working for Kaiser–and working 60 hours a week. I took care of our two sons, but no matter how much time I spent with them, sometimes they just wanted their “Mommy.” On these nights, my wife would have to snuggle into their tiny beds, sneak out in the middle of the night, and be dressed and ready for work by 8 am on the following morning.
Being raised, cared for, and supported by amazing women my whole life had made me an ingrate. I just assumed that women were suppose to take care of everyone, even themselves, when someone got sick. I assumed that women nurtured the children while contributing to the financial needs of the family. “She has the same degrees as I do.” And let’s not forget staying in shape to stroke my male ego.
Recently, I’ve learned to empathize and feel compassion for others. The more I empathize with women, the more I realize that I owe them a lifetime of service and compassion. So on this Mother’s Day 2013, I’m not just buying the perfunctory once-a-year bouquet of flowers. I’m making a promise to honor and respect women everyday for the rest of my life.
To all the incredible women in my life, thank you for your patience, forgiveness, and lovingkindness. I am and will forever be your humble servant.
{{{Hugs}}} Kozo
Thank you for reading, sharing, and/or smiling.
Have you taken women for granted? Have you felt taken for granted as a mother, woman, or superhero? Please share.
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- This Mother’s Day, No Gifts Wanted, Just Time (tucsonweekly.com)
