Arise, then, women of this day!

Arise, then, women of this day!

Arise, all women who have hearts, Whether our baptism be of water or of tears!

Say firmly: "We will not have great questions decided by irrelevant agencies, Our husbands will not come to us, reeking with carnage, for caresses and applause.  Our sons shall not be taken from us to unlearn All that we have been able to teach them of charity, mercy and patience.  We, the women of one country, will be too tender of those of another country To allow our sons to be trained to injure theirs."

From the bosom of the devastated Earth a voice goes up with our own.  It says: "Disarm! Disarm! The sword of murder is not the balance of justice."  Blood does not wipe out dishonor, nor violence indicate possession.  As men have often forsaken the plough and the anvil at the summons of war, Let women now leave all that may be left of home for a great and earnest day of counsel.

Let them meet first, as women, to bewail and commemorate the dead.  Let them solemnly take counsel with each other as to the means Whereby the great human family can live in peace, Each bearing after his own time the sacred impress, not of Caesar, but of God.

In the name of womanhood and humanity, I earnestly ask That a general congress of women without limit of nationality May be appointed and held at someplace deemed most convenient And at the earliest period consistent with its objects, To promote the alliance of the different nationalities, The amicable settlement of international questions,

The great and general interests of peace.

- Julia Ward Howe 1870

Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers around the world.  Peace and love to you and to your families. 

Last year, I learned that the earliest beginnings of Mother's Day was from Julia Ward Howe in 1870 when she wrote this Mother's Day Proclamation.  Julia's vision speaks to me.  There are mothers in every country, of every religion and every station on this earth.  It is something that we have in common.  Can't we build peace from here?  Can't we see our enemies as the children of their mothers?  Can we as women and mothers find a sisterhood with all mothers?

When I am out and about in Singapore or any of the countries that I've had the privilege to visit this year, I see mothers there.  I see them with their children.  I see the same expressions on their face that I have on mine.  Love, amusement, frustration, patience.  We are not so different.  I feel the bond of common purpose with these women.  I can understand that they will do what they must for their children, as I will do what I must.

... 

My Mother's Day was beautiful.  My sweet children woke me up (extra early!!).  They were so very excited about the gifts that they bought for me at school.  A wonderful charity shop was open all week at school so that the children could have a chance to buy a lovely gift for mom.  Scott helped the kids make a menu for me.  I was able to choose what I wanted for breakfast (in bed).  While Lily and Scott made breakfast, Madeline gave me a foot rub and Wyatt gave me hugs.  I felt very loved.  When breakfast arrived, the kids and Scott took turns talking about what they love and appreciate most about me.  I am so spoiled!

 



When Lily was born, Scott started a tradition for us.  He found this large table cloth and together we painted Happy Mother's Day on it in fabric paint.  Every year, we've put the kids hand prints on it (foot prints for babies).  We brought it with us to Singapore so we could keep our tradition.