By ROBERT JUMPER
ONE FEATHER EDITOR
According to government statistics and recent year reporting, approximately four million women give birth in the United States annually. Society typically refers to a woman who gives birth as a mother, but true motherhood is more than a biological function. Motherhood is a lifetime occupation. Mothers often call child-rearing a “labor of love”. Being a mother requires physical, mental and spiritual strength.
In 2008, First Lady Michelle Obama expressed her recognition and appreciation of the traits exhibited by her mother, Marian Shields Robinson. In her address at the National Democratic Convention she said, “My mother’s love has always been a sustaining force for our family, and one of my greatest joys is seeing her integrity, her compassion, her intelligence reflected in my daughters.” Mothers are the highest of role models; setting the examples that the next generation will follow.
Those who choose to be mothers do so with an understanding that it is a 24/7 job and there is no retirement plan. They know that it will likely be thankless and even at times physically and emotionally painful. Mothers choose a life of sacrifice. They do so with joy and unconditional love. Mothers give too much to be celebrated in a single day. Mother’s Day is every day.
