May 7, 2009
Thanking Your Mother This Weekend
This Sunday is Mother’s Day, a chance to acknowledge those women who brought us into the world and raised us into the people we are today.
Taking place every second Sunday in May, Mother’s Day was founded by American Anna Jarvis and was first celebrated in 1912. Its roots lie in the early pagan and Christian tradition of honouring mothers and wives in the 16th Century celebration of “Mothering Day,” as it was called in Britain and Ireland.
Internationally, it is celebrated on different days throughout the world, from February 2 in Greece to March 21 in many Arab and African countries to the end of November in Russia. But they all have one thing in common: to give our love and thanks to those who nurtured us during our upbringing.
I am forced to think, however, of my travels to Africa two years ago. In countries like Malawi and Tanzania, the HIV/AIDS virus has led to the tragic deaths of millions of people and have left just as many children without parents. I met dozens of these so-called “AIDS orphans” on my trip. My thoughts are with them this Sunday, because Mother’s Day must have a completely different meaning for them, as it does for other young people around the world whose mothers have passed away.
My mother has always been there for me and like my father, has acted as a guiding light on what is right and what is wrong. It is one thing to raise a child, it is another to teach them how to be good adults and help others in need.
I always prefer to give a personal gift to my mother instead of a consumer item. I usually write a poem for her on holidays, but especially on Mother’s Day. She will usually frame it. And in fact, if you want to give them something very special, promise them to do some chores around the house. Most likely, they would prefer that to any flowers or box of chocolates – and they could definitely use the break! But most importantly, it’s best to spend some quality time with them. That’s something that both of you will like.
I hope you have a wonderful Mother’s Day on Sunday.
Warm Regards,
Bilaal Rajan
"Together We Can Make A Difference"
Leave a Comment
You must be logged in to post a comment.