Mother's Day
Sunday, May 08, 2005
On this mother's day I set in front of my television watching a special on motherhood. I am thinking about all the ways in which my mother, aunts, grandmothers and great-grandmothers have made me who I am today. I contemplate how I share many of their strengths, weaknesses, vulnerabilities, and personal shields. Nobody in this whole world has had the impact on me that these women have. As a result I would like to tell every mother that they are appreciated. That they make a difference.
Other women also need to know today that they are appreciated. They are mothers to humanity by being positive influences, furthering great ideals, and leading the way when others are afraid. I have met these women as my mother's friends, as extended relatives, teachers, colleagues and even my own personal friends. These women stand in the face of adversity and lead society on issues that are important to all of us.
With this thought in mind, I am making a pledge. This pledge is not of thanks, but of appreciation and a promise for the future. Because of the ways women have made me who I am today, I refuse (as a gay man) to raise children without these genetically XX influences. You can say what you want about women and men being inherently the same, but call it a result of society or whatever, but no man has impacted my life in the way some of these women have. As a result, much like my mother did by raising me close to home, I will keep strong women in my children's lives as neighbors and friends and most importantly my family. My mother recognized the importance of raising me in the village, and as homage to her I pledge to do the same for my children.
posted by ZEUS @ 12:55 PM,
