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Thoughts Of My Mother

© Lloyd Madansky

As Mother's Day approaches, I can't help but have my thoughts turn towards my mother. At first I am saddened because she passed away over five years ago. While her passing was after a long illness, that in no way lessened that sense of loss. Her name was Maxine, and she was the parent who raised me, as much of my father's time was devoted to work.

As I said, when my thoughts turn to her I am saddened at first, but then I begin to remember all she did for me. Even though she worked during most of my childhood, she found time to be a Den Mother when I was in the Cub Scouts. She served on the board of the Boy Scout troop I belonged to. She never missed an open house at school. She even taught me how to keep score at bowling. Yes, my memories of her are many and just writing this article has given me a happy glow.

When I became a Baha'i some 23 years ago, I began to learn what the Baha'i Faith taught concerning parents. Much of what I learned served to verify what I already believed. I would now like to share some of what my religion says concerning the role of parents.

The importance of the mother is outlined in this quote from the explanatory notes at the end of the Kitab-I-Aqdas: `Abdu'l-Bahá, in His Tablets, not only calls attention to the responsibility of parents to educate all their children, but He also clearly specifies that the "training and culture of daughters is more necessary than that of sons," for girls will one day be mothers, and mothers are the first educators of the new generation. If it is not possible, therefore, for a family to educate all the children, preference is to be accorded to daughters since, through educated mothers, the benefits of knowledge can be most effectively and rapidly diffused throughout society."

I know that in my case, my mother was my first educator. For that, I owe her much. Thank you, Mom.

At this point, I must say a word about my wife, Caryn. When our son was born 20 years ago, we decided that there needed to be a parent at home, and, after much consultation and prayer, it was decided that she would be the one. Thank you, Caryn, for all the energy you gave in raising our children.