Many parts of the world are celebrating Mothering Sunday today and Church services will be dedicated to Mothers – both present and departed – for their unwavering selfless love.
Dolly Parton’s song, “Coat of Many Colours” tells of how her mother stitched together a coat for her from pieces of rags because they could not afford to buy one. And how the children at school made fun of this coat that had been so lovingly put together by her mum.
And I reflect on how timeless her message is. How mothers today continue to weave the best life they can for their children from the fragments of time, resources and skills that they have.
This is a universal struggle regardless of socio-economic status, race or background.
And so I want to encourage Mothers who are reading this today not to be discouraged. Your love is the greatest gift you can give your children.
The last verse of Dolly’s song is particularly powerful:
But they didn’t understand it and I tried to make them see
That one is only poor only if they choose to be
Now I know we had no money but I was rich as I could be
In my coat of many colours my mama made for me
Mothers, your patchwork coat, sewn in love is the greatest gift of all.
Happy Mother’s Day 💜.
Musings on Music, Motherhood and other Mysteries 