Greetings!

Within the next 48 hours, we will all be made imminently aware that it is, without a doubt, Mother's Day weekend.  Whether it be the advertising, the reams of paper used by children to create cards, or the covert shopping trips of our significant others, the country is preparing to honor and celebrate those who have taken on the role of mother.  And although I use the word "mother" here, I am including all adult women who play a part in a young person's life. 

Mothers occupy a unique position in our society.  In a recent Harris Interactive survey, adults were asked to list their top choices for true female superheroes.  Opra Winfrey received 8% of the votes, Superwoman received 6%, and Hillary Clinton was listed with 5%.  But the overwhelming favorite for superhero, by a whopping 53%, was mom.

Besides superhero, other words are frequent "mom" adjectives: giving, loving, patient.  Rarely do we think of describing mothers as courageous, yet motherhood is one of the most courageous jobs a woman takes on.  Whether she works outside her home or in it, she is often beset by questions about her employment decisions and her very worth.  I'm sure you'll agree it takes great courage to address the more probing and demeaning inquiries with grace.

The living proof of motherhood tests mothers' courage as well.  If a child does poorly in school, gets into trouble or dresses badly, frequently the first questions asked are, "What's her mother thinking?" or "Where is his mother when all this is going on?"

But probably the most important job of a mother is that of role model.  We are, by virtue of female biology, nurturing, and are therefore as defensive as mother bears of our offspring.  Yet we must hold our tongues and put up a brave front when our young face potential danger.  Think of mothers of military, police and fire men and women, even mothers of athletes: the choices their children made wouldn't be possible if mom threw a tantrum or writhed with worry.  The courage to withhold emotions isn't easy, but observing a mother's strength is a valuable gift to her children.  They watch our every move, from birth through adulthood, and we want them to learn good lessons.

So to all mothers, step-mothers, grandmothers, aunts and friends, I salute your courage and I wish you a very Happy Mothers Day!