Mothering is sleepless nights; crushing realizations that we can’t know our kids’ experiences, knowing we can’t protect them from so much; realizing we have to be the one–to call people in to see some things they haven’t had to see. Mothering has been, for me, learning to do and be Love. EVERYDAY women ( mothers, aunties, grands, birthgivers, fostering and adopting, teachers, friends ) take actions big and small to resist violence and disregard toward kids.

Caring & Loving is not gendered. Caring for Our planet. Our Oceans. All children. It is the most fulfilling work to do and it is never done. It is physical, spiritual, exhausting, and absolutely joyous.

Mothers’ Day has been usurped for a commercial mid-May Whoopie. The day was born in fierce resistance and honoring of mothers. Here is a quick and white history of Mothers’ Day thanks to Howe and Jarvis’ efforts.

“Battle Hymn of the Republic” author, abolitionist, women’s rights advocate, and peace activist,  Julia Ward Howe worked to establish a world-wide awareness with an “Appeal to womanhood throughout the world.” Mothers of the Civil War era, and Howe and Jarvis, saw a need for women who fought so hard for peace and reconciliation to be recognized.

Anna Jarvis’s mother, Ann Maria Reeves Jarvis, had cared for Confederate and Union soldiers and after the Civil War worked to bring families together, despite threats of violence. Anna continued her mother’s work for public health across Appalachia. She wanted mothers to be honored, singularly. She convinced President Wilson to proclaim the first national Mother’s Day just before the start of World War I in 1914. She wanted handwritten notes, not cards bought and sold; honor not commercialization.

In 1948 Anna “died penniless in a sanitarium where her bills were paid by the same greeting card companies and florists she despised.”

Now, more than ever, Celebrate your Mom(s). Honor every mothering human you know. Be Fierce in your love. Be Fierce for Peace.

Be Radical Love.

Photo by Vermilya: orbitoflove.com

Resources:

https://womenshistory.si.edu/blog/history-mothers-day-global-peace-greeting-card https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mother%27s_Day_(United_States)