Cory Call thinks there might be more than one mother you should be keeping in your thoughts.
I participate in a monthly writing group for men. During our time together this month, we were given a few minutes to write something about Mother’s Day. The following words are the result of a few powerful minutes with pen and paper.
Reflecting on my own mother makes me a draw a bit of a blank. Even a family therapist needs more time to work on that relationship. A distance has grown in our relationship which I have developed such mixed feelings about. As I think about the approaching Mother’s Day a little more, it seems I am more compelled to shift focus to explore and honor all of the wonderful mothers I have in my life. I am so amazed by the number of women that have taken on a maternal role for me, in big and small ways. The women that have made space for me to be myself, that have encouraged me, listened to me, and strengthened me. The women that have seen me when I wasn’t able to see myself. So powerful and wise. So giving and so strong.
In certain circles it is said that the world is returning to a feminine power and energy. I really hope this is true. I hope that the feminine way of being provides a structure to heal what has been harmed. To make way for leaders that raise up relationship and community over power and oppression. Those are the types of medicine (relationship and community) that I have learned from all of my mothers. I cannot imagine how I will ever be able to fully communicate my gratitude for their presence and impact on the man that I am today. For one of the greatest things I have learned is to honor and cherish the feminine energy that resides within me.
—Photo Woodleigh School/Flickr
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