Wow, it’s May again… Is it just me or does time seem to be blasting by. I remember when I used to meet my friends for long lunches and later after work reconnecting some place where we could feel the cool ocean breeze and sip margaritas until the sun would finally sink into the ocean. It seemed like time stood still. Life seemed to be at a slower pace. We still had all the responsibilities of a business and family, but somehow we managed to fit more time in for play. I miss those days.
I also miss my mom. We used to talk every day, sometimes more than once. It has been a little over a year now since she passed away and with Mother’s Day this month she is very present on my mind. I can still see her sitting on my deck laughing at some little remark I made or smiling when one of our cats jumped into her lap. I miss her music, her smell, her tranquil nature and her reassurances that everything will be okay. I was lucky. I had a mom who I adored and I felt loved.
I wonder what it’s like for the children who don’t have a special connection with one or both of their parents. This month is not only Mother’s Day but also National Foster Care month. I’m in awe of those special parents, especially moms, who make room in their lives to include a child who is not their own and has been neglected. The commitment and love it takes to share one’s life and family with foster children is no small task. According to the article on foster care this month in our magazine, there are more than 900 children in Santa Barbara County in need of good homes– a safe place where they can rebuild their self-esteem and learn the tools that will help them become loving productive adults, instead of part of the penal system so many of these children eventually get trapped in.
Life should be about more than just taking care of our own needs. It should be about looking out for those who are less fortunate. It’s easy to feel in overload when there is more on your plate than you feel you can handle. And, often, those who are givers don’t give enough to themselves. I’m not talking about you. I’m talking about those who have the time and/or money to burn and life for them has become one big vacation. In between shopping, vacations and spending time and money on themselves, I would encourage them to put some time aside to make a difference in someone else’s life. There are more than 800 nonprofits in Santa Barbara looking for volunteers to help with their programs. Even one day a month can make a difference to our community and to the life of someone less fortunate.
Happy Mother’s Day to all you moms, especially those who have opened their hearts and homes to foster children. |
