MOTHER'S DAY

This is the special day reserved throughout the nation for honoring mothers. There is no way to say the things that need to be said about mothers without shortchanging the roles they play in the advancement of our species, but here is one small attempt:

Mothers give birth, a process that puts them in a special category apart from men. They endure the pain of childbirth and immediately begin caring for and loving their newborn babies.

As children are growing up, there is no comparison between the love of a mother and that of a father. This is no sexist statement. It has been the instinct of mothers since time immemorial to protect and nurture in a way that goes beyond responsibility and need.

The guidance of mothers can be open and direct, but mothers impart a sense of belonging and a vision of hope for children. By their own examples, mothers show their children that a good life is one that lives up to a moral code that is above merely obeying the law.

There is no greater gift than a mother's love. On this Mother's Day especially, their daughters and sons can do no less than return a portion of that special affection.

To every woman who is a mother, not just today but every day, happy Mother's Day. May you receive all the rewards you so richly deserve.