In the lead-up to Mother's Day, the author explores the complexities surrounding childlessness and societal expectations. She reflects on the origins of the holiday with Anna Jarvis, who wished to honor mothers rather than commercialize the day. As a woman without children, the author has experienced a shift in her feelings about motherhood, feeling misunderstood by well-meaning friends who still send condolences. This highlights the evolving identities of individuals and the different ways one can create meaningful lives, regardless of parenting status.
I can tell you in a nutshell: I'm an ever-changing, evolving human being. I was decidedly against having children myself in my early years.
Mother's Day originated in 1908 with a single childless woman who wanted only to express gratitude to her mother for her care. Anna Jarvis was reportedly appalled at how the holiday was soon commercialized.
I see now that today's discomfort with receiving condolences began decades ago. When in my 30s, in the throes of trying, I told almost no one what was really happening.
Today, of course, Mother's Day is quite the hullabaloo. As a non-mother like Anna Jarvis, why do I feel misunderstood? Absolutely.
Collection
[
|
...
]