The editor:
We live in an often upside-down world, where nice guys finish last, where press coverage goes to the rogue cop while the great and many good deeds of his upstanding colleagues go unpublished, and where people are idolized on the basis of accomplishments rather than character.
It is why Mother’s Day is so important, because it is an invitation to revere great women whose heroic love and care often goes unrecognized.
In such an upside-down world, it is the women who sacrifice their children and families for professional, political, or personal ambition, and achieve the status and wealth they seek above all else, even as their domestic life crumbles, that are recognized for awards and other honours.
My mother never received such an award because she was not “active” or “accomplished” enough in the eyes of this world. But we, her children, are grateful for that, because she chose instead to be there for us and provide us with everything we needed, always with great love.
It was difficult for her sometimes because my father was frequently absent with many pursuits outside the home, for which he was recognized with various awards and honours. To the suggestion that a colleague made, that a street be named after him, I would reply that in my eyes, with due respect to my father, of whom I am very proud, my mother would be a worthier recipient.
On this Mother’s Day, I want to say thank you to my mother for the countless things she has done and continues to do for our family; and I urge everyone to see this special day as an annual reminder to celebrate these women all year, rather than observe it only one Sunday in May.
Wade St. Onge
Estevan
