Good Afternoon! Today’s post is from local Chicago expert Sarah from Toddling Around Chicago. We’re entering into conversation that is a bit more serious especially with everything that is going on in the world. She’s here today to discuss what she really wants for Mother’s Day, and how it would make her feel. Please give her a warm welcome!
Mother’s Day is approaching and I’m not hoping for flowers or jewelry.
I’ve been trying to think of the things I really would want – things like a full night’s sleep, which I haven’t had in about 8 years. Or a cleaning service to clean my house, but only after my husband cleans it first, you know, because I don’t want the cleaning service people to think we’re total slobs.
I’ve been trying to think about how I’d want to be spoiled for Mother’s Day, but it’s been hard to focus on that.
Instead I’ve been consumed by the opening arguments in the Colorado theatre shooting trial, the stories of Freddie Gray and Rekia Boyd, the protests in Baltimore, and friends and family members struggling with cancer and other deadly or debilitating diseases.
Through it all, I can’t help but think of the mothers.
Now that I have children, every story I see is about someone’s child, whether they are 5 or 55. When something bad happens to anyone, I can’t help but think, How would I feel if that happened to my child?
What I really want for Mother’s Day is for every mother – no, every parent – to be able to send their child out into the world without fear that they will encounter a gunman.
For no parent to have to learn that their child shot and killed people because they were angry, or mentally ill, or just wanted to know what it would feel like.
For every parent to be confident that all police officers are there to serve and protect everyone, including their child.
For no parent to have to worry that their child won’t return home from their job as a police officer or paramedic.
For every parent to have the opportunity and resources to feed, clothe, house, and educate their children, and to obtain medical care and mental health services when they need them.
For no parent to have to send their child into a war zone, or have their child return in a coffin.
For every parent to outlive their children.
For no parent to have their child diagnosed with cancer, or Multiple Sclerosis, or ALS, or any other deadly or debilitating disease.
For every parent to know that their child will be treated with respect everywhere they go.
For no parent to lose their child to suicide.
For Mother’s Day I want no parent to suffer the pain of losing a child.
Sadly, that’s far too much to expect this Mother’s Day. Maybe it’s too much to expect for any Mother’s Day, but I hope not.
I hope and pray that when my sons become parents the world is a very different place than it is today.