Holiday celebrations, in general, bring the complex nature of family into stark relief. For those of us involved in international welfare, Mother’s Day embodies that complexity perhaps more than any other day. On the one hand, the nature of our work is defined by family disruptions, wars and conflicts often in the mother-child relationship. On the other, our work is driven by the knowledge that we can rebuild and renegotiate the role of the nurturing “mother” figure in a multitude of ways.
Today we celebrate ALL mothers—of all genders, fauna and flora and linkages. Biological moms, foster mothers, guardians, adoptive parents, and all those who unconditionally love, guide, and care for us every day of the year.
Today we also honor all the Worlds Children (young and old) for whom today may be acutely painful, because they want — and need — to be with their loved ones. We know that toxic stress, like war and violence, has devastating consequences for children’s future health and well-being. Intentionally compounding this trauma, serves no purpose except to damage vulnerable, innocent lives.
And so today we must also acknowledge the tremendous work that the members of the Worlds Children Peace Monument (WCPM) do in support of our children in need, every one of us has a part in providing the care, shelter, tenderness, guidance, and stability traditionally ascribed to the role of “mother.” It is vitally important work and I am so proud to see it happen at the WCPM.
So, in all of its glory and heartbreak, I wish you a peaceful and meaningful Mother’s Day. And I thank you for embodying and fulfilling its promise every day of the year.
Peace Friends,
Ambassador Renate Jakupca
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