“A mother is she who can take the place of all others but whose place no one else can take.” – Cardinal Mermillod
Introduction: The term Mother is in reference to a woman who takes responsibility for children who may or may not be biologically related to her. Yet to truly be a mother means to be so much more than just a woman with a child. The importance of being a mother is practically unending; it is may be the hardest, most rewarding occupation a woman will ever encounter. Mothers have many roles to help them perform all the tasks required in the development of their children, as well as providing their children with unconditional love, and making sacrifices for her children every step of the way. One of the first things to come to mind when taking into consideration what being a mother means, are the roles or positions she assumes on a day to day basis. A mother means continually being on her toes; caring for another person; most mothers would sacrifice their own life for the life of their child. Being a mother means being everything, and going above and beyond the standards of caring for another person. A dedicated mother will put aside her own selfishness and many times goals or opportunity, sometimes this means going without for herself. Mother’s love is the purest form of love. It cannot be compared with anything in this universe. The feeling of love that a mother has towards her children is inexpressible. Mothers always want the best for their children, and they will never compromise the quality of things they can offer to their little ones. Mothers perform numerous sacrifices in their lives to provide complete comfort and blissfulness to their children.
Unconditional Love of Mothers: A mother is the pillar of a family. She is the imperative member who connects the family close together. A mother is like an angel to her child. She strongly supports her child in all difficulties. Every hardship of life can be easily eliminated with a mother’s love. No one can replace the part of a mother in a child’s life. A mother plays numerous roles in the life of every child. She is the first friend of every child and their constant best friend. A mother is the first and favourite teacher of a child. With the lessons taught by a mother, children can achieve the heights of success very easily. A child develops an emotional connection with the mother from infancy. A mother is the symbol of compassion, truth, and honesty. Mother’s love is the greatest gift of God to a child. The actions performed by a mother make a house safe and cheerful for children. Even before the birth of children, a mother starts influencing them. They play a huge role in determining the attitude of children. The moral values that a mother teaches decide the future of the child. Mother’s love plays a crucial role in shaping the character of children. Mothers are the child’s first link to any emotional attachments. From mothers, a child learns the foremost lessons of love and affection. The mother’s love must be supplied unconditionally to establish trust and develop emotional intimacy in a child’s life. The way a mother supplies love and care to her child will greatly impact their physical and mental well-being.
The Importance of Motherhood: Motherhood encapsulates the essence of unconditional love, selflessness, and sacrifice. From the moment a child is conceived, a mother’s instinctual bond begins to form, nurturing the life within her with utmost care and tenderness. This bond extends far beyond childbirth, shaping the emotional, psychological, and physical development of the child throughout their life. The role of a mother transcends mere caregiving; it encompasses being a teacher, a protector, a nurturer, and a guiding light. Mothers instill values, morals, and principles in their children, shaping their character and worldview. They provide unwavering support, encouragement, and reassurance, fostering a sense of security and belonging in their children’s lives. The qualities of a mother are as diverse as the individuals who embody them, yet certain traits remain universal. Compassion, patience, resilience, and empathy are but a few of the virtues that define a mother’s essence. A mother’s ability to adapt, to love unconditionally, and to find strength in adversity exemplifies the depth of her character and the power of her love.
The Contribution of a Mother: The contribution of a mother extends far beyond the confines of the home. Mothers play a pivotal role in shaping the Social fabric of communities and societies, imparting values of compassion, empathy, and cooperation to future generations. Their influence reverberates through time, leaving an indelible mark on the world through the lives of their children and the communities they nurture. Since the dawn of civilisation, mothers have been the cornerstone of society, bearing the immense responsibility of rising the next generation. From the prehistoric era to modern times, mothers have been the primary caregivers, educators, and custodians of cultural heritage. Their nurturing presence has guided humanity through countless trials and triumphs, shaping the course of history with their love and wisdom.
Conclusion: In conclusion, to be a mother is to embody the very essence of humanity – to nurture life, shape futures, and leave an enduring legacy of love and compassion. The importance of motherhood transcends time and space, permeating every aspect of our existence. Let us honour and celebrate the mothers in our lives, recognising the profound impact they have on our world and expressing our gratitude for their boundless love and sacrifice.”The most beautiful word on the lips of mankind is the word “Mother,” and the most beautiful call is the call of “My mother.” It is a word full of hope and love, a sweet and kind word coming from the depths of the heart. The mother is everything – she is our consolation in sorrow, our hope in misery, and our strength in weakness. She is the source of love, mercy, sympathy, and forgiveness.” – Khalil Gibran
Rev. Fr. C. Joseph, Counsellor-St. Joseph’s College (Autonomous) Jakhama, Kohima-Nagaland