11 Quotes for Quarantined Mothers
On a breezy April night in Florida, my husband and I set out to take to pups for a walk, as we do most nights. After leashing up the 2 and pouring our undisclosed beverages in the oh-so-cliche red solo cups, we set out for our walk. Discussing the day’s events, positive and negative, we were stopped short in our tracks.
*Warning: You need to understand we are in a global pandemic/quarantine/once-in-a-lifetime/horrifying situation in 2020* (end PSA)
Trying to sip a beverage from my cup, while my puppy barks at an oncoming and obviously threatening toy pup, my ears hear that which they should never hear. Coming from the left, on a street we had not yet approached I hear a mother screaming at her child and a child quietly crying. He was confused and trying, but she was notably DONE. As we get to the street, we cannot help but look to see where the ruckus originated. A mama, trying her best, was at her wits end. (been there) She had her two kids “helmeted” and ready to ride and for whatever reason, she lost her cool. Let’s leave that there for a moment.
Strolling down the next block, resuming our former conversation, we see a minivan pull over in a quick stop. The windows are all down to partake of some much-needed fresh air… until the young man in the van, disturbingly yells, “Mama, No! Please don’t. I’m sorry Mama. Don’t do it”. Then the windows rolled up and the car pulled away. My walk was now marked with concern for our Mamas and children who are quarantined.
What the Experts Quote
The famous writer, J.D. Salinger, author of The Catcher in the Rye stated, “Mothers are all slightly insane.” Aren’t we though? My belief is you cannot be a mother without being ever-so-slightly insane. There’s nothing sane about subjecting one’s self to the trials of motherhood. But that is not all motherhood is! Much to love about being a Mama has been pushed aside. It’s clear in today’s pandemic atmosphere, mothers need a bit of encouragement. Walk with me on this road of positive sentiment for the mommies out there struggling to keep sanity in check.
“To describe my mother would be to write about a hurricane in its perfect power. Or the climbing, falling colors of a rainbow.” – Maya Angelou
Mamas Provide Educational Growth
“One Good mother is worth a hundred schoolmaster,” is a quote from George Herbert, a British poet from the 1500s; this holds true today. Mothers teach all day. Whether teaching how to ride a bike or tie a shoe or homeschooling during a global pandemic, mamas teach.
In Beloved, Toni Morrison says, “Grown don’t mean nothing to a mother. A child is a child. They get bigger, older, but grown? What’s that supposed to mean? In my heart it don’t mean a thing.” The experiences our babies meet every day will help to mold them into the adults they will become. In our “mommy” hearts, they will go on being our babies forever.
Mamas Provide Spiritual Growth
“An ounce of mother is worth a pound of clergy,” a Spanish Proverb, says it all too accurately. The spiritual growth we encourage, no matter the denomination or faith, is imperative to the growth and development of strong and responsible humans. Similarly, Rudyard Kipling said, “God could not be everywhere, and therefore he made mothers.” It’s not a truth, because, in my faith, God can be everywhere, but the sentiment is there! Mothers are God’s earthly right-hand men for raising future generations. Remember to pour your faith into your babies in this uncertain time. They need to feel the consistency of your faith and love. A funny quote from comedian Milton Berle states, “If evolution really works, how come mothers have only two hands?” I have asked that question many times; It’s one I will ask the Lord when I get there! Funny but true, Mamas… you can only do so much when running on empty. Re-fuel yourselves with self-care whenever possible and give yourself a break!
Mamas of Today
A Chinese Proverb nailed it right on the head, “There is only one pretty child in the world and every mother has it.”The first time you laid eyes on that newborn, you were instantly captured. While watching the kids play in the yard or together in the house, stop to admire the wonder they are. You made something wonderful; pat yourself on the back. The Best Day by Taylor Swift sings out, “And, I didn’t know if you knew, so I’m taking the chance to say that I had the best day with you today.” Most days, they are thinking that same sentiment. In the song, Sweetest Devotion by Adele is the one I, personally, want to tell each of my kids when I am having a rough day. It says, “When you wonder if I’m gonna lose my way home, just remember, that come whatever, I’ll be yours all alone.”
Though I am blessed to have four adult children now, I am all theirs, each one, forever.
Finally, allow this song to become your earworm for the day, by the Shirelles, “Mama said there’ll be days like this. There’ll be days like this, my mama said.” Take it easy on yourselves Mamas! You deserve it!
-SimplySunni