Just the other day I was sitting at my desk working when I noticed some movement on the roof of the house next door. Looking up I saw my neighbor, the little grey squirrel who has taken up residence there for the last two seasons, coming out of her hole under the roof carrying something large in her mouth. On closer inspection I realized that she was carrying her baby. The little one had his tail wrapped around Mom's neck and was holding on for dear life as she scampered up and over the rooftop. Mom is kind of on the small side herself so this was no easy task. She had to stop every few steps to keep her balance and get a better grip on Junior, but she did not give up. She kept going until she was up and over the rooftop, and out of sight. I do not know why she decided to move her baby. It could be because we have had so much heavy rain for over a week now and her little home might have sprung a leak. It could also be because the flock of grackles that have been trying to move in and take over the old homestead had proven to be more than she could handle alone. Whatever the reason, she did what she had to do to protect her baby regardless of how hard it was on herself. But, after all, isn't that what Moms do?
I think the most important lessons I've learned about parenting have come from watching animals. Animals have no agendas. They don't worry about keeping up with the latest ideas about child rearing. They don't worry that their kid isn't dressed as well the kid next door. All she cares about is loving them, feeding them, protecting them, and raising them to be responsible parents when they grow up. This idea becomes even more impressive when you consider all the stories we find on social media about the female of one species adopting the little ones of another species who have lost their own mothers. Just within the last week I've seen videos and stories about cats who have adopted orphaned baby squirrels, a dog that adopted kittens, a cow that cared for piglets whose mom died, and countless other examples. This would suggest that mothering is an instinct that we all have even if those we are mothering aren't our own.
I can recall several women in my life who were not related by blood or marriage, but who mothered me just the same. Some were teachers, others were older women in my church, while others were total strangers who passed into my life for a brief moment - one for just a few hours in one day - but who gave me the love and attention I needed at that moment. Mothers come in all sizes, shapes, colors, and species.
As we approach another Mother's Day this Sunday, take some time to think about all those who have been like a mother to you besides your own mother. Remember how it felt to be singled out and treated with love, attention, and motherly concern. Then take that feeling and pass it on. Find a child in your own life that can benefit from being singled out and taken under your wing. Perhaps it's a friend of one of your own children or grandchildren. Maybe it's someone you meet while volunteering or at your church. Never miss an opportunity to let that child know that they are loved by someone. They will remember and treasure it for the rest of their lives. I know I did.
To all the mothers out there, and all the surrogate moms as well, I wish you a blessed Mother's Day. We couldn't get along without you!
And so it is.
