For All the Mothers
Julia Ward Howe put out the first call for a Mother’s Day in protest of the Civil war that had taken away so many mothers’ children: “From the bosom of the devastated Earth, a voice goes up with our own. It says, Disarm, disarm! ” Today more than ever, let’s listen to Julia’s call and bring together our mothers, daughters, aunts, children and everyone who works for an end to misogyny, militarism, racism, and every form of hate that causes wars. Military intervention always brings more death, destruction, and heartbreak. Let’s celebrate the nurturing essence of motherhood by building an economy of peace. To my own mother in Florida at age 100 1/2, I offer all my love and gratitude.
Where I live in Mexico, Mother’s Day is honored every May 10 with gusto. Churches celebrate a special Mass, and the highpoint of many events is the singing of “Las Mañanitas” and the distribution of tamales and atole to all local mothers.
Photos from Alfredo Zalce mural in Morelia, Michoacan:
Happy Mothers Day, Susa. Good to be with you yesterday, even if we really didn’t get to have much conversation. It looked like you were really connecting with quite a few new women, which I know makes you happy. I hope you will continue to find joy and support from the women of Ajijic.
Susa …Loved your inside out piece about revisioniing …A must in the process of honoring the changes of our later life…your blog is so inspirational…thanks for all that you do…
best , Judith B
I love telling people about Julia Ward Howe and the origins of Mother’s Day and it is astonishing the number of folks who never heard this before. Thank you for always bringing it forward! I celebrate you and your Mothering of David and so many other beings, large & small. May the day rain cherry blossoms in all of our Mother’s honor.