By Dan Shine
Voice Columnist
Mother’s Day
This week as we honor Motherhood, your Historian defers to the thoughts of others:
From a speech given by President Theodore Roosevelt in Washington on March 13, 1905, before the National Congress of Mothers:
No ordinary work done by a man is either as hard or as responsible as the work of a woman who is bringing up a family of small children; for upon her time and strength demands are made not only every hour of the day but often every hour of the night. She may have to get up night after night to take care of a sick child, and yet must by day continue to do all her household duties as well; and if the family means are scant, she must usually enjoy even her rare holidays taking her whole brood of children with her.
The birth pangs make all men the debtors of all women. Above all our sympathy and regard are due to the struggling wives among those whom Abraham Lincoln called the plain people, and whom he so loved and trusted; for the lives of these women are often led on the lonely heights of quiet, self-sacrificing heroism.
The woman’s task is not easy–no task worth doing is easy–but in doing it, and when she has done it, there shall come to her the highest and holiest joy known to mankind; and having done it, she shall have the reward prophesied in Scripture; for her husband and her children, yes, and all people who realize that her work lies at the foundation of all national happiness and greatness, shall rise up and call her blessed.
Words of a Lifetime
By Bonnie Feuer (from a long-ago “First Church Messenger”)
Answer the door,
I think it’s your date;
Call if you need us,
Please don’t be late.
This college is great,
I just love your hair;
How is your roomate?
Remember we care.
Do the best that you can,
Don’t copy the crowd;
Whatever you do,
We’ll always be proud.
The gown is gorgeous,
Your fiance’s here;
You’ve made us so happy,
Oh, that’s just a tear.
I’ll help you to furnish,
You cook with this wine;
All babies do that,
I promise, it’s fine.
I’d sure love to see you,
You’re so on the run;
Dinner on Sunday?
Oh, that would be fun.
Your children are growing,
I’m proud of you, dear;
They’re so bright and healthy,
Oh, that’s just a tear.
I’m just getting older,
There’s nothing to fear;
Remember I love you,
Oh, that’s just a tear.