HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY

THE ROLE OF THE MOTHER

My own mother died many years ago so Mother’s Day for me is a celebration based on memories rather than physically meeting up with one of the most important people in my life. She lived a good life and we were always close as my whole family have always been.

I don’t think I fully understood the bond that develops between a mother and her child. I am not sure I even do today but the birth of my granddaughter gave me a closer insight than when my own children were born.

I was the breadwinner back then and much of the work in raising my own children fell on my wife’s shoulders as I was out long hours getting my business off the ground. Of course I was involved when I was around but for long hours, sometimes days, she was on her own. I was also heavily involved in politics so I was speaking at meetings regularly pretty much every week.

It was all very much different when my granddaughter Lucie was born. My daughter had to work and my wife was a very busy Provost of Renfrewshire. I was childcare for the first couple of years and I had that little bundle of innocent fun as my total responsibility for hours most days. What a responsibility it was. For the first time I got to experience those early first years in a child’s development. Initially she was helpless and I lived for the wee smile that she would give me as I lifted her from her cot. She would lie in my arms as I rocked and fed her. I would make up her bottle, change her nappy, play with her rattle, keep her engaged until she wanted to sleep again. As time passed she stayed awake longer, responded to everything around her. We would watch the children’s programmes and I became an expert on Fireman Sam, In the Night Garden, Peppa Pig and all the other kiddies programmes.

What I was unaware of at the time was the very special bond that was developing between us as the interaction between us grew. It wasn’t long before she began to speak and then walk and all of a sudden I needed to be more imaginative and active in keeping her entertained. It was sometimes hard work but I look back on it as one of the most valuable and worthwhile periods of my life.

So even though I was only a part time “ mother” for a couple of years I learned to appreciate the role of the mother in those crucial early development years. In these gender dominant times I recognise in some cases it may be the father that is responsible for this role but I think we can all agree that in the vast majority of cases it is Mum rather than Dad,  and the dominant role is carried out by the Mum.

The mother’s role never ends, nowadays many have to juggle childcare, holding down their own job, sometimes jobs, shopping, cooking, cleaning, laundry, being there for the kids when they get home from school, making sure they get their homework completed. As the years go on they will possibly need to care for their elderly parents, or indeed her spouse’s. It is quite a list isn’t it? I am sure I have missed out loads, like looking after the finances, making sure there is money there to pay the gas and electricity, keep the kids clothed and fed, a host of tasks.

So on this Mother’s Day here is one male, and I am one of a great many men in Scotland who salute the mothers of Scotland and thank you all,  for being the quiet heroes we secretly know you all to be.

Men may appear to take your efforts for granted, it is easy to do but when we think about it, as we do on a special date like Mother’s Day,  we really appreciate all you do to improve our lives and those of our families.

In our house today my two daughters are preparing a special dinner for their mother. I have been invited. I am hoping for more than observer status.

Ladies, now I would suggest you put this article in front of your husband or partner. Insist he reads it and you put your feet up as you tell him to fetch you a cup of tea and a wee biscuit! You deserve it!

Gentlemen, if you read this first still make the tea and biscuits and tell your partner or wife to put her feet up on this special day. Pretend it was all your idea and don’t let her near my blog for a couple of days!

Enjoy a special day

I am, as always

YOURS FOR SCOTLAND.

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