Being a mother has not always been held in high, positive regard, but it’s been celebrated formally for nearly 100 years. Ann Javis first brought attention to mothers in 1868 and Julia House in 1890. Mother’s Day was nationally recognized by President Woodrow Wilson in 1914 and is presently celebrated on the second Sunday in May.

There have been many famous mothers; for example, Mary the Mother of Jesus and Mother Teresa. Also, there are fictional TV moms we have come to hold in high regard such as June Cleaver (“Leave it to Beaver”), Phylicia Rashad (“Cosby Show”), Florence Henderson (“The Brady Bunch”) and Diahann Carroll (“Julia”). But these TV moms were sometimes idealistic and comical.

The storylines of the shows were not believable and painted an almost too picture-perfect MOM.

Yes, I am aware that we have already celebrated Mother’s Day, however, there is one thing that I know for sure. As I am writing this, there are at least 235 days left in the year.  Mothers do not stop being loving, kind and nurturing on the rest of those days. Being a mother is by far the noblest and most giving thing that a woman can do. My mother, Marie Harris Brown, ranks up there with all the above-mentioned mothers and is a more realistic perspective of motherhood.

My mother was a stay-at-home mom. She always put her family first and, make no bones about it, she was determined that my brothers John Ed, Kenneth and I were always cared for. Sometimes, she would go without just so we could have what we needed. She prided herself on being loving. She would always tell us that everything she made or did was done with love. Not only that, she was like that with every child in the neighborhood. She called everybody “Honey” and she would say, “I am not being fresh; it’s just my way.”

She gathered vegetables and planted beautiful flower gardens. She made us beautiful quilts, baked chocolate cakes and prune cobblers. She always welcomed everybody in our home. She would even tell others, “If you don’t love me, just keep on acting like you do and you will get it.” She brought beauty to everything!

Marie made her transition in December 2002. The love she gave us was unconditional. Yes, she told us we would miss her, but she also taught us to be loving, giving and to believe in the Almighty.

She practiced what she preached 365 days a year. And although we did get her favorite perfume or a new First Lady hat on Mother’s Day, she never complained as long as you were loving.

She did not receive a prize, or win a jackpot; nor was she on the news for “Mom of the Year!” She was just being a loving and caring mother to all of her kids and grandkids, too.

The other thing that stands out in my mind is a request that she made of the lady who has been my adopted mother since 2002, Mrs. Arnetta Wallington.

She asked her to look out for me. Isn’t that just like a mother? Mother Dear, as I affectionately call Mrs. Arnetta, has done just that. She loves me and accepts me unconditionally just like Marie. Who could ask for anything more?

As I continue to mature, I will never outgrow my need for unconditional love and acceptance.

Thanks to the Creator for allowing me to recognize this and to emulate this in all areas of my life and with my daughter Dushon. I, too, will leave a legacy of LOVE like Marie Harris Brown ’cause without love, I cannot “POSITIVELY INSPIRE” anyone.

Yemaja Jubilee is a Charlotte County native and a poet, author, playwright and inspirational speaker. She can be contacted at landNluv@aol.com.