Here’s the thing that I’m not sure most women truly understand, that those of us on the other side of the gender aisle are pretty much in total awe of the ability to conceive and bring a child into this world.
Of course we males have a significant part in the whole process, though it does seem like the primary points for the father are a brief (and hopefully enjoyable) contribution of some genetic material in the beginning. Then there is being yelled at about nine months later for “doing this to me”–usually heard in the throes of labor.
There is then a blur for about sixteen years after that, and then the next significant event usually involves the question, “Dad can I have the keys to the car.” This is roughly the sum total of highlights of being a father that don’t involve one’s wallet as the primary reason for our existence. Well, maybe that is not all of the highlights, but it sure seems like it most of the time.
But for women who make that transition to being the Mothers of our children, the journey is so much different. Of course there is the initial physical one, that forever changes the beauty of a woman’s youth (Hollywood types with personal trainers and private gyms notwithstanding.) No matter the physical changes to be endured over the months of pregnancy, there is something near mystical about the beauty of a pregnant woman.
In that same time, there is another change that takes place in that journey into motherhood that is perhaps even more amazing. The mental process of becoming a Mom is not one to be ignored, just because it doesn’t have any equivalent change in outward appearance.
I’ve seen women endure things during pregnancy that would have brought the toughest and strongest man to his knees, only to sob like a little frightened boy. Any man who tells you otherwise is either a liar or terminally single. The mental toughness of a Mom rivals that of any pro athlete.
Somehow in the crucible that is carrying a child to birth, is also the forging of that rare combination of a protector with the heart of lioness, the nurturer with the patience of a saint, and that creature who can love and care for their own, no matter what that child may do or become over the years to follow.
That amazing creature that we know as a Mother.
On this day which we honor all Moms with an extra bit of appreciation for all the things they do, we should take a moment or two to just be amazed at their many near-super-human abilities. You can have all the comic book heros like Superman, Spiderman, and Ironman that you want–but the only real-life super heros I’ve ever met are those true Womder Women who have the simple title of being a Mom.
Happy Mother’s Day to each and every one of them.