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Show Mary Says Path For Mothers Hard to Follow DECEMBER 25, 1975 by Mary West "Unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given." What a beautiful quotation. This phrase holds special meaning to mothers. A child, a beautiful child with all the opportunities that we can provide. I believe that all mothers begin marriage and motherhood with storybook dreams of getting married and living happily ever after. Soon realization sets in and we find that our wedded bliss is often interrupted by bills and broken faucets. When we become mothers we have great expectations. We have images of golden children who are athletic, scholarly, honest, virtuous. Our child will be the most popular child in school, of course, and will have beautiful hair and straight teeth. Oh, the rude awakenings along life's path. Long ago our dream bubble burst when Prince Charming turned out to be just another hard working guy who had to learn to tote the barge and pay the bills. Then all illusions vanish when our Johnny isn't Mr. All American and Susie isn't Miss Personality. Per-sonality. They're kids, just like most everyones kids, they have their problems and we are tormented trying to help them. Perhaps the time has come, or will come, to look into the heart of thisa unruly often untidy gift. This child who often disappoints you and that you can't hold up as an example, as mothers might hold theirs. As mothers we must look deep within the child that has been given to us, and we must see the inner glow, the beautiful spirit that is within. This whose outward appearance is less than saintly. This child that is often defiant and sometimes sad. Listen and look lor the joy that this child has to offer, the humor, the special talents and abilities. A dear friend once said, "Mary, I wish you peace of mind this Christmas." What a beautiful thought. Of all the gifts that might be given, wouldn't this gift be appropriate ap-propriate for everyone? Especially to mothers. So this is my wish to each of you, "Peace of mind this Christmas time." |