As Only a Mother Can

Of all the measures of love and concern
mothers and grandmothers demonstrate
the epitome in their deep devotion to their
offsprings' well-being through care, tactile
reach and nurturing the mind and body
with skill and practicality. From the homely
admonishments to dress for the weather
to instilling confidence in an uncertain mind
and spurring charges to excel in life's challenges
then nursing ill loved ones to a healthy outcome
who could be better trusted to care and
conviction surmounting life's adversities?

The emotional warmth and comfort of the
hovering presence surpasses legend. The
presence, the trust and the response are
real and dependable. The mother sees the
child in the mature adult first and foremost,
sometimes discomfittingly inappropriately
but with respect, the status is permanent
not given to reversibility. The final test of
time remains memory of the table and food
prepared and presented, as only a mother can.