Ah...thank you for this Jonathan. As a mother with a recent empty nest, preparing to spend my first Mother's Day without my child because she's away on a gap year in Portugal (as one does!), I appreciate the reminder that we are all imperfect as mothers and we also try to love as best we can. And then we pay for our kid's therapy so they don't have to! Happy Mother's Day to you all.
Well, I know your child very well, and you have nothing to regret. You are a values-centered and amazing parent. I remember when I left home at 17 to join the military, and when I came back for a visit after training, maybe 18 months, she cried for hours. It was so hard to leave her there, and from my side, she seemed so autonomous and fiercely independent that I didn't see her frailty. I know your child sees you. #fortunate
A wonderful piece. Thank you, as always, for your insights and beautiful writing. My relationship with my mom is vey complex as is the relationship with my son. But both those relationships have been my greatest teachers. Sunday will be a day to celebrate ALL who nurture and tend.
Every year, I sit and think, if she were here, what would happen? What would her counsel be? I am sure that I would be in hot water for something, but that would be awesome. :)
Very beautiful Jonathan, I always admire your willingness to make yourself vulnerable in your writings. I loved my mother very much, and wish I could have been with her more during her last years. She was a very special human being and a loving and loyal mother. I was blessed to have her in my life.
Thank you, Peggy. I also admire the dedication and perseverance you show in your life and with your daughters. You have a gentle way and a keen mind. It is always a pleasure to be in your company, as I wish I were this day.
Again...the gifts of reviewing Apothecary...I figured out *this year* my Mom was dealing with the same terrible brain chemistry I was, without ANY of the tools or understanding I have at my disposal. And she had at least one episode of post-partum depression, which nooobody talked about back then. So, yeah. Here's to our crypto-feminist midcentury moms....
There are countless ways that we can never know where and how our parents show up for us. I am sure that the unseen ways our moms showed up for us are a magnitude of order more than what we remember or can think of now. Thanks for the comment!
Thank you, Jonathan for putting into words what I wish everyone could hear and understand. Now I can share what I am doing with these interactions with my children so they "get me" AND I get to see my mother in this way as well. Thank you for taking the time to honor our mothers! All the best!
Thank you for the comment and for reading The Intentional Table. I appreciate your kind time and attention very much. It's easy and hard to write about my mom, as she was a complex being (aren't we all). But the love was there and is there, and I do miss her counsel.
Oh My. That means a LOT to me, coming from you, Susan. We really cherish that you are here, and your comments are lovely. It's quite a journey. Thank you again for your time and kind attention.
Ah...thank you for this Jonathan. As a mother with a recent empty nest, preparing to spend my first Mother's Day without my child because she's away on a gap year in Portugal (as one does!), I appreciate the reminder that we are all imperfect as mothers and we also try to love as best we can. And then we pay for our kid's therapy so they don't have to! Happy Mother's Day to you all.
Well, I know your child very well, and you have nothing to regret. You are a values-centered and amazing parent. I remember when I left home at 17 to join the military, and when I came back for a visit after training, maybe 18 months, she cried for hours. It was so hard to leave her there, and from my side, she seemed so autonomous and fiercely independent that I didn't see her frailty. I know your child sees you. #fortunate
A wonderful piece. Thank you, as always, for your insights and beautiful writing. My relationship with my mom is vey complex as is the relationship with my son. But both those relationships have been my greatest teachers. Sunday will be a day to celebrate ALL who nurture and tend.
Hot water is underrated! 😉
Every year, I sit and think, if she were here, what would happen? What would her counsel be? I am sure that I would be in hot water for something, but that would be awesome. :)
Very beautiful Jonathan, I always admire your willingness to make yourself vulnerable in your writings. I loved my mother very much, and wish I could have been with her more during her last years. She was a very special human being and a loving and loyal mother. I was blessed to have her in my life.
Thank you, Peggy. I also admire the dedication and perseverance you show in your life and with your daughters. You have a gentle way and a keen mind. It is always a pleasure to be in your company, as I wish I were this day.
Again...the gifts of reviewing Apothecary...I figured out *this year* my Mom was dealing with the same terrible brain chemistry I was, without ANY of the tools or understanding I have at my disposal. And she had at least one episode of post-partum depression, which nooobody talked about back then. So, yeah. Here's to our crypto-feminist midcentury moms....
There are countless ways that we can never know where and how our parents show up for us. I am sure that the unseen ways our moms showed up for us are a magnitude of order more than what we remember or can think of now. Thanks for the comment!
very authentic and your point on the value of. presence touching
Thank you so much for your time and kind attention in responding. I am pleased that this resonated for you. Thanks again for reading!
~ Jonathan
Lovely post and much appreciated.
Thank you, Jonathan for putting into words what I wish everyone could hear and understand. Now I can share what I am doing with these interactions with my children so they "get me" AND I get to see my mother in this way as well. Thank you for taking the time to honor our mothers! All the best!
Thank you for the comment and for reading The Intentional Table. I appreciate your kind time and attention very much. It's easy and hard to write about my mom, as she was a complex being (aren't we all). But the love was there and is there, and I do miss her counsel.
So lovely, Jonathan! ❤️
Thank you. There is always so much more to say.
This might be the most important and enlightened thing that I have ever read. ❤️
Oh My. That means a LOT to me, coming from you, Susan. We really cherish that you are here, and your comments are lovely. It's quite a journey. Thank you again for your time and kind attention.
~ Jonathan