Michelle Brown, Contributor
BROWN
AS A scientist and an aspiring freelance motivational speaker, I usually try to glean as much as possible from my interactions with others and from their experiences.
The aim of this article is not to present any novel findings or to downplay the integral role that fathers play in the family. Instead, it is to highlight the role mothers play and continue to play in the lives of their offspring.
During childhood we are loved, nurtured and cared for by our mothers. They make numerous sacrifices to meet our needs -- emotional, social and otherwise. They pray for us continually, their desire is usually for us to be successful and find our little niche in life.
A MOTHER'S JOB IS NEVER DONE
The truth is, a mother's job is never done. Mothers have a profound influence on our lives as adults and, to a certain extent, the choices we make. They seem to have a sixth sense about situations.
For the single male, his mother usually becomes anxious about having her grandchildren and reminds him of this in subtle ways. On the other hand, if he is seeing a girl who does not meet her approval, she will find subtle ways to make this known. Or, as some mothers do, take it to the Lord in prayer.
For the single female, her mother is still concerned about her safety and well-being, especially in today's violent society. She will remind her constantly of the need to be careful and alert at all times.
A friend of mine commented that her mother thinks that she is still a child. Personally, it is not unusual for my cellphone to ring at various times and for me to hear the other party say, 'Hello Michelle, this is Mom. Is everything OK?'
For the single female also, as far as relationships are concerned, her mother will state approval or disapproval of her partner and the reasons for the same. The bottom line, however, is that her mother wants the best eligible man for her daughter.
A close friend speaks dearly of his mother with whom he was very close. She left him with some wise words. Furthermore, as a result of his mother's love and assertiveness, his father is now capable of "managing" quite well on his own.
As women, if we were to closely examine ourselves in our roles as mothers and aunts we would realise that in one way or another we are becoming like our mothers. Let us therefore pass on the values, principles and good qualities that we got from our mothers to our children, biological and otherwise.
