Happy Friday, RISERS! I hope this week has been good to you. I don’t know about you, but while I do enjoy the rain, it doesn’t all need to fall in the same week. This Sunday is Mother’s Day, so I hope you have a great time spending it with the mothers in your life.
Quote of the Week: “To describe my mother would be to write a story about a hurricane in its perfect power.” –Maya Angelou
Movie of the Week: When I watch a movie, in addition to being entertained by it, I try to look for the lesson the movie is trying to present. For example, in Monster University, no matter how hard Mike tried to be a scary monster, he just wasn’t. Mike was nowhere near the level of his best friend, Sully. BUT the one thing Mike did excel in was coaching other monsters in being scary.
Well, for Mother’s Day, I want to talk about the movie Brave. Yes, I mean the one with Merida, who rebelled against her father’s attempts to find a husband for her. I know what you’re thinking…how in the world does this relate to motherhood?
When this movie was released in the summer of 2012, the adoption process was in full swing for our family. My husband and I had gone from having two children to four, and only one of them was a girl. Our daughter, Olivia, was 8 years old and often had vacillating feelings about our increased family. So, at that time, the friction that Merida experienced with her mother, Elinor, closely mirrored the relationship between Olivia and me.
It is important to keep the communication lines open between you and your mother. And this goes for young men, as well, not just for young ladies. Sometimes parents are not able to predict what you need, especially if you are on the quiet side. When you want hugs, or not, it is important to let your moms know that.
Joke of the Week: Why did the cookie cry? Because his mother was a wafer so long.
Nugget of Wisdom for the Week: The only thing I want to impress on you this week is to be sure to love your mom (or moms, if you have stepparents)—or any woman who fits the mom role in your life. This last year I took a heavy hit in my “mom” department. Because my parents divorced and remarried, I had three maternal figures in my life, including my mother-in-law. My mother-in-law of 33 years passed away suddenly last July. Except for the first three years of our marriage, she lived geographically closer than my mom or stepmom. It has been a difficult adjustment not having her here anymore. Then, in October, my stepmother of 37 years also died suddenly. That leaves me with just my mother. She lives in Georgia, and I try to visit her in person as much as I can.
Be intentional when you spend time with your mom. Moms have the difficult job of juggling so many roles, sometimes falling out of the “friend” role into the “disciplinarian” role. Most moms do what they believe to be best for their children and, if they didn’t care, would not take the time to point out ways behavior needs to be corrected. Moms don’t need to have flowers or a fancy dinner, but they do need you.
Recipe of the Week: I don’t have a recipe for you this week, but instead, I want to encourage you to work together with your family and cook your mom’s favorite meal. My family often surprises me with grilled steak, shrimp, and yummy baked potatoes. I know that anything you do for your mom out of love will be greatly appreciated.
Shout-Out of the Week: This week I want to give a shout-out to all of the moms out there. You are the finder of lost things, the kisser of owies, makers of lunches, and so much more. We are truly thankful for you!
Have a great weekend. Remember, you are most awesome, and YOU ROCK!
Marion Rhines is a foster-turned-adoptive parent. She lives in Knoxville, Tenn., with her husband and five children. She has written and published two children’s books as well as two foster-care-themed novels. She has a Facebook blog, Tips from the FLIP Side, and enjoys working with children of all ages.