Shoe Womans Network

Everyone has a story about their mother. Mothers are as different as their unique personalities. Some are patient and kind. Some are loud and obnoxious. Others are very opinionated. In spite of these characteristic differences in a mother’s personality, they do the best that they can, as there is no wrong way to love their child.

Being a mother is both the most challenging and the most rewarding experience a woman can have. Through all of the stages their children go through, a mother’s love is unconditional; it is constant; it never ends. Just as a child’s development goes through different stages, a mother’s love goes through stages, as well.

My mother is celebrating her eightieth birthday in a couple months. She is one of those women who needs nothing, and who finds happiness in the simplest things. I decided to pay tribute to her life, and especially her motherhood, buy selecting an assortment of Italian charms that would each have special meaning to her. Each charm reflects a certain period of her life as a wife, a mother and a grandmother. I’m sure it will bring tears for her, but I’m sure it will also remind her of many happy times with more to anticipate.

A new mother’s love is blind as she gazes at her red-faced, wrinkly, toothless newborn. She honestly believes her baby is the most beautiful in the world. Her love for this infant has grown as her womb has expanded. She has lovingly and unselfishly prepared for this moment, for her life as she has known it is changed forever with the birth of her child.

The mother of an obstinate two-year-old, whose boundaries are constantly being tested, patiently teaches the right way to behave. She allows her child to experience anger and frustration, but ignores tantrums, choosing instead to reward good behavior. This mother’s love is patient, for she understands this stage in her child’s life is short-lived.

The mother of the kindergartener learns to “let go” and allows her child to explore new experiences, meet new challenges, and discover ways to socialize with their peers. As the youngster grows into adolescence, the mother’s role changes with each stage; supporting, encouraging, and challenging the child to become independent. This mother’s love is constant.

In a mother’s eyes, her child can usually do no wrong, regardless of the circumstances. Not so true in the tumultuous adolescent years. Because the mother did such a good job of raising her child to be an independent, self-reliant individual, teen-agers often push themselves into adulthood before they are actually ready. Mistakes are made. Often, all a mother can do is guide the child to learn from their mistakes; to make better decisions; to accept that her child is not perfect. In this stage of motherhood, her love needs to be very forgiving and understanding.

The love a mother has for her adult child is full of pride, for she has the satisfaction of a job well done in raising her child. Her efforts have been successful. Her love has overcome all of the obstacles and stages in life. This love is reciprocated because the adult child realizes and appreciates the love their mother has shown them throughout their life.

There is a special bond formed by mother and child once the child becomes a parent. The mother’s ever-changing role is now defined as “Grandmother”. This woman’s love has come full circle now because she understands the challenges her child will face in raising a child. She knows the rewards her child will receive. She appreciates the lessons in love that her grandchild will learn. For, there is no stronger love than that of a mother; and no love more rewarding than becoming a grandmother!

Let’s all celebrate mothers and all the things they are!