Mother's Day and Moms in General

It's only half-way through April - I'm aware of that. I am also perfectly aware of the fact that Mother's Day isn't until May. Just so we're all clear.

Why this is on my mind though, is because of a video that has been shared a lot on Facebook recently. It's likely that anyone reading this blog has already seen it, but in case you haven't here it is:

Disclaimer before the following sentiment: I am a very emotional person. I am perfectly aware. I cry every time I watch Lion King and even just when I hear some of the music.

Highly emotional tendencies aside, I did get a little bit emotional when I watched this for the first time. I didn't actually cry but I think that's mainly because Trenton was sitting next to me and I didn't want him to get unduly concerned. I was right on that little verge of tears though. Maybe because I'm just so grateful for my own mom, or maybe because I want to much to be a mom someday.

My sister in law became a mom fairly recently - just last December - and I won't soon forget something she said while Trenton and I were at her home for a game night a couple months after their sweet baby girl was born. Jasmine (said sweet baby girl) was fussing and I commented on how lucky it is that babies are cute, because they can be rather exhausting. My sister-in-law then smiled at her baby, and talking to the baby and not to me, said, "You sure are exhausting, but you learn to love like you never thought you could."

Right in the feels.

With all these tender feelings towards moms, I was a little shocked and dismayed when, after the movie finished, a few "related articles" were brought up and one was titled something along the lines of "Sorry, but being a mom isn't the most important job in the world". A little annoyed to have a touching video thanking moms so quickly jerked to this harsher outlook, I clicked on the link just to see what the author had to say.

She made some points about how saying mothers are the most important demeans women. It puts them in a worse situation because they are financially dependent on men. It means they have to work hard and do degrading tasks. She ended the article with the thought that if you thought you cared more about humanity because you're a mom then go ahead and get over yourself. There was a whole lot of bitterness and not a whole lot of love coming in that article and I just thought, "How sad. She doesn't get it."

I don't think women should be looked at as inferiors to men. I don't think we should be treated as inferior to men. I have a dear friend (you know who you are, bud) who once commented to me that it was a bit old fashioned that Trenton always opens my car door for me. Maybe so. And maybe in the current perspective many people take, it means he thinks I'm incapable of opening up my own door.

Here's the shocker, peeps. He knows. Trenton is 100% aware that I'm capable of opening the door. He is also 100% supportive of me finishing my degree. Before we start a family, even. He supports my dreams. And as it happens, one of those dreams is to have children and raise them in the home absolutely as much as possible. But if I wanted to work he wouldn't tell me I couldn't, or that I wasn't allowed.

It isn't about gender equality. That's what I'm trying to say. It isn't about one person being "superior" and another being "submissive". It isn't about politics or rights or privileges.

It's just about love.

Moms are important because they love us. Brain surgeons are important because they save people's lives. Sure. Lifeguards are important because they tell us not to run on the cement, and I think we all need that structure in our lives. Scientists are important because they come up with new ways to enrich our lives or search for cures to diseases. Men and women in every field are important. But pointing the finger at moms and telling them to get over themselves? Moms HAVE gotten over themselves. They've gotten over themselves enough that they are willing to sacrifice their body, their time, their sleep, their immediate life plans, their money, their sanity (joking but not) for another person.

I don't have all the answers to everything. I am not saying that the way I view things is the only right perspective. Women want respect and they deserve respect. Women shouldn't feel like they can't do other things because they are expected to be moms. Nor should they feel like they should want more than being a mom, because being a mom is plenty. Being a mom is important.

I apologize if I'm coming across as preachy. I'm not a mom. But I know I'm grateful for my mom. I know I'm grateful for my fiance's mom who has raised a wonderful son and who has welcomed me into her family. I know I'm grateful for my aunt Shauna, who's strength as a mom has moved and inspired me.

I love you mom. Happy mother's day when it gets here. And Daddy, don't worry. Someday I'll write you a post too.