History of a holiday
It is time for a holiday to celebrate a Mother’s love. It is a great one for flowers, chocolate and calls home to mom. In my USA, Mother’s Day is celebrated the second Sunday in May, but there are various dates throughout the world for day. Of course now it may be about cards and flowers, do you know it originated, in 1850, to teach mothers better food prep and cleaning practices? This was a time when many children died of diseases and better household hygiene was viewed as a way for mothers to save their families. There was no antibiotics or knowledge of germs. In fact, the woman who started the cause, Ann Jarvis, had buried 7 of her 11 children. During the Civil War, this became a mothers movement for peace, and finally a day to honor all mothers.
Tough love, tough job, parent dedication
I don’t remember much about my own mother, but have to believe that she, with the intensity and dedication of all Heelers, loved and trained us well.
It looks to me like there are many who shouldn’t try parenting, or they better cowboy up, get some smarts and courage, and focus on the job.
Kids these days need a big dose of cowdog common sense. And parenting is not something you do as a side hustle, with a phone in one hand. It needs to be Job One, because of the great responsibility to raise up strong, independent, responsible adults that make the world a better place. Little ones need to learn to Sit and Stay, instead of some diagnosis that is really just “No parent on board.” Dad’s are very important too, and need to be there helping with the job.
Precious little souls
Kids used to be raised with a bible and a belt, and it wasn’t so bad. Mothers cried a lot of tears, said a lot of prayers, and wore out a bible for their kids.
Train up a child
My human mom loves me fiercely. When I was a young and rebellious pup, she trained me and taught me some hard lessons. I learned to gently herd and look out for the chickens, not kill them, to guard the house and truck, and patrol the ranch.
I learned to share and play nice with others [not always with cats, but in my defense, they torment me and are virtually un-trainable! I try to ignore them].
The daughter Jess learned all this and more. She is a strong, independent responsible adult who is making the world a better place. I notice she has taught little Sprout how to Sit and Stay, to help, share, be kind and fair. He does what he is told to do. He is learning to live gently in the lives of others. And little Smiley, too.
Love is patient
Love is kind
Cherish and invest
So I say praise good moms! Let your mom know her effort paid off, cherish her if she is still on earth. Take flowers to her grave if she is not. Help the moms that are weary and overwhelmed. Spend some time with a child. Remember that a mother , by committing to her children, is really investing in a better world for her grandchildren, and beyond. And never underestimate the role a good cowdog plays in dedication, celebrating, loving, teaching and raising up.
Old dogs and young boys, teaching and learning from each other
Everyday, let’s honor our mothers – all of them. I try to remember that when I’m moving cows, too – they are someone’s mom!
With spring finally coming on so fast, here is a Cowdog Quote for this day:
She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. Proverbs 31:25-26
