Mothers

May 12, 2018 / Sheila McIntrye Good, Author / 5 Comments

Tomorrow is Mother’s Day.

Women of all ages will receive flowers, candy, chocolate-covered strawberries, gift certificates for a spa day, a family dinner in their honor, a special gift unique to her, or if the husband/ dad is buying the gift – the latest small appliance (just kidding guys).

Mother’s Day can be a day filled with family fun, pride, joy, drama, or sadness – all at the same time. A day in the life of motherhood.

For all the hype leading up to this holiday and others, most fail to really reflect on the role and responsibilities we mothers have. But, when I think about motherhood, what I learned from my mother, witnessed in others, and hopefully passed on to my children — a number of words come to mind.

Loving – of course, tops the list. Other than God’s there is no greater love.

Resourceful – mothers can make a costume out of a brown paper a sack, a meal from scraps of leftovers, or a magical dress from her imagination.

Persistent – mothers do not give up, give in, or waiver when it comes to the best interest of her child.

Strong – mothers are the strongest people I know. In the midst of tough times, adversity, tragedy, illness, or any of life’s curveballs. She shoulders the burden, picks up the slack, gets creative, and does what she must.

Teacher– from the time that tiny infant is placed into her arms. She has the wondrous opportunity of introducing them to the world and all things new. From teaching the basics — utensils, dressing, and manners, to throwing a ball, swimming, driving, and dating. She teaches right from wrong, life lessons, independence, self-reliance, and accountability. She does her best to prepare them for life outside the safety of “mom’s protection and help her children become the best adults they can be.

Enforcer– often it’s up to her to teach the hard lessons of accountability and consequences and no one does that better than mom.

Protector – it’s true what they say. Mess with a woman’s child and her claws come out. Like a lioness protecting her cubs, we guard our children with our lives.

Doctor, nurse & medic – all in one. She bandages scraped knees, sits with the croupy child in a steam bath all night, stops the bleeding, splints the broken arm, and stays up all night when the fever is high. And, when more serious – she is the advocate that “doesn’t play.”

Mothers are this and so much more.

I write this today in honor of all mothers and in particular, my daughter Jessica and sister, Deborah.

For the last 3 going on 4 weeks, Jessica has been at the hospital bedside of her ten-year/old daughter. I’ve never been prouder of the woman and mother she has become. She has handled this scary, trying, exhausting time with grace, strength, resilience, and all of it with a smile on her face. Mallory and Harper are lucky and blessed to call her mom.

And to my sister, Deborah. You showed us strength, love, and dignity through the most difficult task a mother hopes she never has to face – saying goodbye to a child. Lori was blessed to have you as her advocate and mother.

This tribute in no way is meant to diminish the role of the father. I believe both mothers and fathers are the foundation of raising strong, happy and independent children. Today, however, is her day. It’s her time to let the spotlight shine on her.

So, if you’re lucky enough to have your mother still around – beyond the gifts and flowers- tell her you love her. The woman who gave you life, tickled your tummy, made you feel safe, and taught you about life won’t be around forever. So, call her – just to say ”hi.” Hearing your voice never gets old and brings joy to her heart.

Strength and dignity are her clothing,

and she laughs at the time to come.

She opens her mouth with wisdom,

and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.

She looks well to the ways of her household

and does not eat the bread of idleness.

Her children rise up and call her blessed;

    her husband also, and he praises her:

“Many women have done excellently,

    but you surpass them all.”

Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain,

    but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.

Proverbs 31:25-30 English Standard Version (ESV)

A Tribute to Mothers

May 14, 2017August 14, 2017 / Sheila McIntrye Good, Author / 16 Comments

Happy Mother’s Day!

It seems like only yesterday I was up every two hours feeding, diapering, and trying to coax by babies to sleep. Aww, those were the days! Who needed sleep?

Becoming a mother helped me discover talents I never knew existed. Here are a few of which, I’m sure, you can relate (feel free to add to the list):

Learning to enjoy group bathroom time! They’ll find you every time!
Acquiring supersonic hearing – “I heard that!”
Discovering my hips had more function than sashaying- “That child’s attached to your hip.”
I didn’t need the gym – I could bench press a toddler, diaper bag, umbrella stroller, blankie, stuffed toy, purse, and a bag of groceries at once.
Gained new language skills both in interpretation and expression – “No, Mommy did not say that word!
Could out multitask any CEO! Cook dinner, wash a load of clothes, pick up toys, and play peek-a-boo while reading War and Peace – a piece of cake!
Discovered new uses for baby powder – who knew you could go a week without showering or washing your hair! Hello, Johnson & Johnson!
Learned more about poop than I ever cared to know – including, that s&%t stinks, it won’t singe your skin, it floats, and is damn hard to get off the walls.
Forgetting to answer to my real name – who the hell are you talking to? My name’s mommy!
Secretly admiring the passion and tenacity with which those little bundles of joy pulled the strings – especially our heart-strings.

I’m exhausted just remembering. Mother’s are the hardest working humans on the planet. My hat is off to each one of you and to my girls, all grown up – you are my greatest treasure and every moment was worth it.

And, to all, you mother’s looking for a bit of reprieve or just a stroll down memory lane here’s a little tribute.

Happy Mother’s Day.

A Mother’s Day Message to My Daughters

May 10, 2015January 26, 2017 / Sheila McIntrye Good, Author / Leave a comment

Mother’s Day, the traditional time, of year when children of all ages honor their mother through cards, flowers, or special dinners. Receiving such recognition is always a blessing and much appreciated, but on this Mother’s Day, I have something to say to my daughters.

The minute I realized your tiny heart was beating inside of me, my life changed forever, even my world looked different. Everything I did or hoped to do, from the clothes I bought to my career path, centered on the underlying anthem, how will this make my children’s lives better?

Almost thirty-eight years ago God blessed me with two precious daughters. It seems like only yesterday you were young and clingy, wanting mom to make it all better. Happy to wrap my arms around you, kiss your wounds and whisper, “Mommy’s here,” I admit I miss those days, but time stops for no one.

You’ve both grown into smart, strong, beautiful, and independent women, of whom I am very proud. And, although you don’t need, me as much as you once did to kiss away skinned knees or hurt feelings. On this Mother’s Day, I want you to remember I will always be here.

My sweet girls, being your mother brought me a lifetime of joy and has been the greatest honor of my life. Given the chance, I would do it all over again.

To Daughter’s Everywhere: Mother’s Words of Wisdom

May 12, 2013August 10, 2017 / Sheila McIntrye Good, Author / 1 Comment

To every daughter who ever uttered the words, “I’m never going to be like my mother,” I hate to break the news to you. It will happen, sneaking up on you when you least expect it. Those famous last words will come rushing back and kick you in the rear.You know what I’m talking about. Memories of having to cut your own switch, you swore NEVER to use corporal punishment.

So, you bought a cute little time-out chair. You gloated over your parenting skills until the little angel reached her third birthday and decided she could out last you. Exhausted and patience long gone, the first nugget rolled off your tongue. “Do you want a spanking?” After that, the challenge was on. The little darling tested every resolve you ever made and your mother’s words tumbled out faster than water over a damn.

“Because I said so, that’s why.”
“Wait till your father gets home.”
“If you fall and break a leg, don’t come running to me.”
“Don’t you use that tone with me.”
“Don’t get smart with me.”
“If all your friends jumped off of a bridge, would you?”
“You better stop that crying or I’ll give you something to cry about.”
“I don’t care what the other kids parents told them, I said no.”
“I’m not asking you, I’m telling you.”
“Don’t put that in your mouth, you don’t know where it’s been.”
“Don’t make me come in there.”
“Go to your room and don’t come out.”
“I pray to God, you grow up and have a houseful just like you.”

But, the clincher happened when your teenager rolled her eyes at you for the first time and the world spun on its axis.“You roll your eyes again at me, and I will smack them into tomorrow.”

With her words reverberating in your ears, you run to the mirror horrified at the “mommy jeans “ and worn tee shirt you’re wearing and notice for the first time, the crow’s feet, and the hint of gray hairs. “Oh My God!” The reflection of your mother stares back.

Relax, acting like your mother happens to all of us. Blame genetics, after all, you’re fifty percent her or imagine she passed on to you her secret words of wisdom. Children didn’t come with a parent’s manual and although helpful, Dr. Spock and the other how-to- books are nothing more than quick start guides. After those beginning years, you’re pretty much spitting in the wind and flying by the seat of your pants. You can’t prepare for this wild ride of love between a mother and her child, but words of wisdom tucked away for just the right time are priceless.

So, on Mother’s Day salute your mother, give her a call and thank her for all the words of wisdom she has imparted to you. If you haven’t used them you will, and while you’re at it, you might want to find out a little bit more about her favorite bush. Do you have any favorite words from mom? I’d love to hear them. Leave me a comment.