From the comments to my post on Ann Fontaine's essay at the Daily Episcopalian on the Hallmark celebration of Mother's Day in church services.
Mary-Cauliflower said...
The whole mothers' day thing has been a process for me. As someone who never had children, I've made a journey through feelings of inadequacy, irritation, jealousy, and finally acceptance. I admire many women who are mothers and grandmothers. I'm grateful to have my own mom here still. And there is a role that I play as an aunt, teacher, and friend of the family that is gratifying in its own way. Our parish has started welcoming a group of young mothers in recovery - and it'll be nice to see some hearts-and-flowers sentimentality lavished on them tomorrow.
The decision by clergy about what to do in church services on Mother's Day can be fraught. In addition, there are many kinds of mothering done by both women and men who are not birth mothers. What to do? The decision by Mary's church to honor mothers in recovery is excellent.
A repeat for anyone who has ever cared for a baby:
A Cradle Song
The angels are stooping
Above your bed;
They weary of trooping
With the whimpering dead.
God's laughing in Heaven
To see you so good;
The Sailing Seven
Are gay with his mood.
I sigh that kiss you,
For I must own
That I shall miss you
When you have grown.
William Butler Yeats
The picture at the head of the post shows the tiny red climbing rose on our fence that faces the street on the side of our house. Below is the Confederate jasmine, which grows on our side fence. The sweet odor of the flowers can be overpowering at times.
If you want to see gorgeous flowers, go to Paul the BB's blog.