The gift of mothers

I am not a mother, and so as an observer I want to highlight one particularly remarkable aspect of mothers that I am in awe of.

The physical and biological act of pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding.

This is a gift of motherhood, and a gift that mothers offer to their children. These gifts are rarely without significant suffering and sacrifice.

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A gift of suffering? Sounds familiar, if we think of great leaders who have given their life as a gift for others - Gandhi, Mother Theresa, Luther-King, Jesus...

Through these very physical and biological processes, I believe mothers give the ultimate act of love for their children - giving of their own life to nurture their child.   And the gift in return; I think these acts have a bearing on the closeness she has with her baby, and the identity she gains of being a parent. Priceless gifts.

Why mention this around Father's Day? Father's get to witness their partner's extraordinary development of pregnancy and the amazing birth of their child - to wonder at the gift mothers give, and the gift they are. Fathers can often appreciate what the mothers take for granted, and they should certainly appreciate the gift of mother's love for their child. So Dads, appreciate these special gifts.

Next week - The Specialness of Fathers!

Cheers,
Dawson.