Four generations of women on Mother’s Day, 36 yrs ago
A repost from last year, no less relevant today.
For several years, I had the great privilege of serving families in need. As part of my work, I was invited into homes and lives to guide, teach, nurture, and when I could, to gather baskets of memories brimming with new ways of being and believing in the world. At most, I accompanied mothers and children on their journeys for mere slivers of time, and yet in the collection of hours and days, I was witness to great suffering and love, desperation and hope.
Those who travel the helpers’ path are granted gifts. Not gifts wrapped in paper and laced with ribbon that we set on a windowsill and forget with time, but gifts that reside within us, that alter who we are and how we perceive our world.
We live in a time of divisiveness. Our politics shred our world, and unfiltered rhetoric spews like bile into the air, toxic with deception and blame. It is no wonder that we are losing our ability to listen and behold each other with open minds and compassionate hearts.
Struggling mothers and their children live everywhere: in the mountains of China, on the plains of Africa, in the arid lands of Iran, or simply around the corner. Across the globe, mothers touch small foreheads, peer into innocent eyes, and sing their children to sleep. What would happen to our world if we became still and quiet and listened to those whispered songs?
The enduring gifts of a mother’s love have sustained children, families and communities through the centuries. They are timeless, borderless reminders of our common humanity and dreams of hope.
To mothers everywhere, I wish us a world of peace.
Myths of the Mirror 
“Those who travel the helpers’ path are granted gifts. Not gifts wrapped in paper and laced with ribbon that we set on a windowsill and forget with time, but gifts that reside within us, that alter who we are and how we perceive our world.”
I love this so much. So well put, Diana. You are a gift to so many 💚
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Thank you for the kind comment, my friend. I loved being a helper and often felt that I received more than I gave. I’m so glad you enjoyed the post and reflections. Have beautiful peaceful day. ❤
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I am catching up on blogs today, and love this one, Diana. The world is a better place for the care you provided to mothers and children. What a lovely photo of four generations. Mothers are nurturers of this world and a force to be reckoned with. Happy belated Mother’s Day to you!
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Thanks for stopping by, Molly. I wish mothers were ruling the world – what a kinder, more nurturing place it would be. I had a peaceful Mother’s Day of gardening and writing. I hope yours was filled with much fun and joy. 🙂
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Belated Happy Mother’s Day, Diana! I hope you had a wonderful day with your family! This photo of yours is just so lovely – I see a lot of light and love radiating through time and space!
And yes! Mothers are timeless, borderless reminders of our common humanity! I often think the world would be a very different place, a better one really, if more women would lead it.
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You’re not the only one to mention mothers leading countries as a solution to many of our world’s problems! I agree. And thank you for the lovely comment. I had a quiet day or gardening and writing – the perfect gift. 🙂
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A beautiful wish, Diana. I hope you had a lovely Mother’s Day. Hugs.
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It was quiet – gardening and writing. And my hubs made me breakfast. 🙂 Thanks so much for the visit and the kind comment, my friend. Happy Writing!
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What a beautiful post, Diana! I too wish for a world filled with peace! Maybe someday…
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Thanks, Jan. I don’t know. Our track record isn’t very good for peace. And lately it seems we’re on a back-slide. But every kindness helps and there’s hope in that. ❤
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