PixsMe

From the very beginning, when life blossoms with two, only one becomes our haven, our provider, the vessel that carries us into the world – our mother. She’s the gateway to existence, cradling us through our first breath and cherishing each one until her own journey ends. Though our earliest memories might dim with time, a mother’s love leaves an indelible mark, forever etched in her heart.

Mothers hold onto the details of our beginnings with unparalleled clarity.  They can recount your birth weight with the vividness of yesterday. They remember the first crackle of life in your cry, the contours of your tiny features, every finger and toe. They were likely the first to witness your precious smile. Mothers are the mirrors reflecting our own potential, the source of comfort in our stumbles, and the unwavering support system that sees us through life’s journey.

As we grow, our mothers gracefully evolve. They become our confidantes, our wise mentors, and the guiding stars on our life’s path. Their love remains an endless well, a constant source of strength through victories and defeats, milestones and challenges. Mothers, and grandmothers too, see us as their everlasting treasures, a source of perpetual pride that shines brightly in their eyes. Their unwavering belief in us is a constant thread woven throughout the ever-changing tapestry of life.

John Wilson’s lithograph, “Mother and Child,” beautifully embodies this unwavering maternal bond. The African American mother exudes strength – a resolute jawline, a watchful gaze that speaks volumes, and arms that both cradle and shield her child like a protective refuge. Her love is a fierce force, a guard against any storm life might bring.

Figure 1 – Mother and Child (1952) (John Wilson)

https://www.artic.edu/artworks/222595/mother-and-child

This image transcends labels. It speaks a universal language, one that cuts through social standing, education, or cultural and religious backgrounds. It’s a raw portrayal of motherhood at its core – a mother’s fierce devotion radiating from her every form. The child, nestled securely, embodies the absolute comfort and safety found in those loving arms.

This Mother’s Day, let us honor the extraordinary women who have woven a lifelong tapestry of love around us.