Mothers Day 2008*

Yesterday was Mothers Day of course.  I received greetings & all that goes with Mothers Day in relationship with my sons, & also acknowledging & honoring my own mother.  I recall one of my son's s interesting emails of last year, explaining how the origins of Mothers Day came about in a response to the U.S. Civil War, [note how I said U.S. , for the US- us hold no exclusively to war per say.  It kind of reminds me of a song from the 60's [of course, when else...] ,"Mother says there'll be days like this, there'll be days like this mother says...." So from a protesting response to war, we now have Mothers Day--- a very, very, fitting response, indeed, no need to explain....

Thirty-five years ago today I too joined the ranks of--  "Modern Day Mom", our eldest son was born one day before Mothers Day, he's now-- "Married With Children." & love it, I do, yes I do! It is just about the hardest job I can think of.  We had been married for several years & I was so the typical yuppie, before there were yuppies-- shopping, consuming keeping that commercial economy$ going & going....  & then the economics of it all changed.  We became a family of three, on one income, with far more expenses then when we were merely a family twosome. From the moment in the delivery room--- all natural, of course [nothing but the purest & best for our babinos] , to the preschool, grammar school, high school & college years.  It was the most challenging thing my husband & I ever did in our lives--- ultimately raising "Our Three Sons", & no matter any of the other pluses we may have experienced in our lives, I know speaking for not only myself, but my husband too--- nothing, nothing on this earth has ever given us the heartfelt satisfaction as raising our family has.  It's that boundless love & with that we've overcome much.

Yesterday our youngest son graduated from the University of Connecticut, it was a joy to have this landmark now as part of our family history--  & he's a History major!  The road was windy, yet he persevered & found his way-- "Was willing to do the hard work.",  as his grand father used to say.  The graduation ceremony had it's lovely points of course, & as far as family & friends go, for we were thrilled as others on the bleachers were to be celebrating in that special collective moment, in time. Yet on the other hand, I could not ignore what it was that seemed unjust-- for 4 admission tickets per graduate were issued yet not enough printed programs-- our highly esteemed state university preferred to spend it's money on events marking the inauguration of it's newest president Michel Hogan to the tune of $170,000. dollars.  I've never been much of a mathematical thinker, but I do know that UCONN has a Math Department.  It just doesn't seem balanced, as the state of Connecticut has numerous problems in our capital City of Hartford, in regards to it's educational system, along with other inner cities of our beloved state.  When I go into Htfd. it breaks my heart to know a lot more could be done to nurture these children, to help the families create a more fertile ground so their children can also become college graduates some day.  I guess UCONN is really one of those party universities we hear so much about & not always to the benefit of it's students.  What a message this university is giving out---  give $ give $ give, at the expense of the tax & tuition payers.    

I've been told repeatedly that Connecticut is one of the richest states in the U.S. , I wish we could lead in ways that would benefit the Children--- That's what Mothers Day is all about. Well I've sent a version of this opinion to the Hartford Courant, it will be interesting to see if they publish it.  I'll keep you posted.

We'll just keep on keeping on, & as mothers in this world--  continue to do our very best to shed light on these important issues of concern, & as we eventually enter our 60's we will continue to revive the principles of the 60's of-- "Peace, Love & Understanding".