A Simple Bracelet Can Reflect a Mother's Love

Everyone has a story about their mother. Mothers are as different as their unique personalities. Some are patient and kind. Some are loud and obnoxious. Others are very opinionated. In spite of these characteristic differences in a mother's personality, they do the best that they can, as there is no wrong way to love their child.

Being a mother is both the most challenging and the most rewarding experience a woman can have. Through all of the stages their children go through, a mother's love is unconditional; it is constant; it never ends. Just as a child's development goes through different stages, a mother's love goes through stages, as well.

This year I wanted to mark my mother's 80th birthday with something special. It didn't need to be expensive; I simply wanted somethat that would reflect upon her life and our relationship. I eventually chose to put together an Italian charm bracelet that would reflect each of the stages of her life, especially her role of a mother.

For the mother who just gave birth to a red-faced, wrinkly skinned, squalling infant with no hair, no teeth, and no idea of who this woman is, her first comment is "Isn't my baby the most beautiful thing you've ever seen in your life?!" A new mother's love is blind.

The mother of an obstinate two-year-old, whose boundaries are constantly being tested, patiently teaches the right way to behave. She allows her child to experience anger and frustration, but ignores tantrums, choosing instead to reward good behavior. This mother's love is patient, for she understands this stage in her child's life is short-lived.

The love for the school-aged child can best be described as consistent, as the mother learns to let her child develop an individual personality. She allows her child to socialize; enables her child to experience life; challenges her child to become independent; supports her child through trials and triumphs, alike. Through all of these stages of development, her love is unwavering.

The mother of the teen-ager experiences a love which is forgiving. Adolescents often test their boundaries; challenge the rules; bend the truth. Even though they are trying to be independent, they lack the maturity to do so. Often, mistakes are made. All a mother can do is encourage the child to learn from their mistakes; to take responsibility for their actions; to face the consequences. By doing so, she is enabling the child to grow into a self-reliant adult.

The child who becomes an adult understands and appreciates the love their mother has shown them over the years. They realize she has been their biggest fan; their strongest support; their best teacher; their most sincere critic. The mother of an adult child finally sees that her sacrifices and efforts in raising her child were not in vain. The love she has for her adult child is full of pride.

There is a special bond formed by mother and child once the child becomes a parent. The mother's ever-changing role is now defined as "Grandmother". This woman's love has come full circle now because she understands the challenges her child will face in raising a child. She knows the rewards her child will receive. She appreciates the lessons in love that her grandchild will learn. For, there is no stronger love than that of a mother; and no love more rewarding than becoming a grandmother!Shall we all drink a hearty toast to our mother's whose love has always enveloped us?