Episode 26: Mother's Day

"Mama, you know I love you..." - Boyz II Men

I've had the fortune of having more than one mother in my life, from grandma to aunties and cousins; each teaching, healing, guiding, and loving me. During my childhood and teenage years, life circumstances didn't allow for me have a full relationship with my own mother, but as an adult I'm glad that we are now forging a connection of sorts. It's not easy (the past still pains), but we're trying, and that's what matters.

Each Mother's Day reminds me to not just celebrate the women who mothered me, but to also reflect on what the concept of motherhood is. I may be committing a type of sacrilege by saying this, but not all biological mothers are 'maternal'. By just bearing a child, it doesn't necessarily mean you become instantly equipped (mentally, emotionally, financially) with all you need to raise it well. We all know this, but society has a habit of romanticizing the image of motherhood and it can become a burden for women who struggle to live up to the ideal of 'superwoman': one who sacrifices all for her children; a humble martyr. While there is a measure of nobility in sacrifice, a woman shouldn't have to forever wear that cape. It denies them the right to be less than strong, to be wrong, to be tired; to be human.

All parents make mistakes, but if they did the best they could with what they had (knowledge, resources, time), that definitely deserves honour. I am grateful to my mother for bringing me into this world when she didn't have to, and for struggling to make a better life for me, even when that meant sending me away to live with relatives. She wasn't the 'typical' mother, but she loved me the only way she knew how, and I've grown to accept that.

I too may become a mother one day, and although I'm sure I'll mess up now and then figuring out the whole parenting thing, I won't be concerned with them perceiving me as a superwoman, but just a woman who loves them supremely. So with that, I'd like to wish every woman who has taken on the mantle of motherhood a very special day of appreciation and joy. I applaud you.

Love,
Geena


Mama's Mix
(to download click here)

Junior - Mama Used To Say
The Intruders - I'll Always Love My Mama
The Temptations - Oh Mother Of Mine
The Shirelles - Mama Said There'd Be Days Like This
The Soul Survivors - Mama Soul
Gladys Knight - Grandma's Hands
LL Cool J - Big Momma (Unconditional Love) ft. Dru Hill
Kanye West - Hey Mama
2Pac - Dear Mama
Sizzla - Thank You Mama
Alicia Keys - Superwoman
Anthony Hamilton - Mama Knew Love
Spice Girls - Mama
Davina - Mommy's Pride & Joy
Ashanti - Mother
Boyz II Men - A Song For Mama
Allure - Mama Said
Cheryl Pepsii Riley - Thanks For My Child

My Mom

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Geena Lee
Lovesoul Studio
Toronto, Canada