She's revered as a trail-blazing feminist and author Alice Walker (The Color Purple) touched the lives of a generation of women. A champion of women's rights, she has always argued that motherhood is a form of servitude. But one woman didn't buy in to Alice's beliefs - her daughter, Rebecca, 38.
Here the writer describes what it was like to grow up as the daughter of a cultural icon, and why she feels so blessed to be the sort of woman 64-year-old Alice despises - a mother.
The other day I was vacuuming when my son came bounding into the room. 'Mummy, Mummy, let me help,' he cried. His little hands were grabbing me around the knees and his huge brown eyes were looking up at me. I was overwhelmed by a huge surge of happiness. I love the way his head nestles in the crook of my neck. I love the way his face falls into a mask of eager concentration when I help him learn the alphabet. But most of all, I simply love hearing his little voice calling: 'Mummy, Mummy.'
It reminds me of just how blessed I am. The truth is that I very nearly missed out on becoming a mother - thanks to being brought up by a rabid feminist who thought motherhood was about the worst thing that could happen to a woman.
You see, my mum taught me that children enslave women. I grew up believing that children are millstones around your neck, and the idea that motherhood can make you blissfully happy is a complete fairytale.
In fact, having a child has been the most rewarding experience of my life. Far from 'enslaving' me, three-and-a-half-year-old Tenzin has opened my world. My only regret is that I discovered the joys of motherhood so late - I have been trying for a second child for two years, but so far with no luck.
I was raised to believe that women need men like a fish needs a bicycle. But I strongly feel children need two parents and the thought of raising Tenzin without my partner, Glen, 52, would be terrifying.
As the child of divorced parents, I know only too well the painful consequences of being brought up in those circumstances. Feminism has much to answer for denigrating men and encouraging women to seek independence whatever the cost to their families.
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Thank you so much for posting this. As a mom, and a single one at that, I get stressed and tired often, and forget to remember the blessing and gift God has given me in motherhood. This article is a great reminder of that.
ReplyDeleteAlso a reminder of how blessed my own childhood was. Though no parents are perfect, mine loved me and always took wonderful care. I never felt lonely at home. What a terrible experience that must have been for her. My parents are such a huge part of Grace's life. I can't imagine what it must be like to not have grandparents. It's so uplifting to read how she loves her son and is making his childhood everything her's wasn't.
Great, inspiring post.
I wish all young women everywhere would read this....there is so much here, on so many levels.
ReplyDeleteI feel bad for Red Diaper babies. Their parent's "minds" are on achieving political immortality, not through the flesh of their offspring. Misplaced priorities.
ReplyDeleteI wanted to weep while I was reading this story. Too bad it's too late to bring her Mom up on neglect.
ReplyDeleteMe, too, EB.
ReplyDeleteRabid feminism is truly a mental disorder. Instead of seeking equality in pay, legal protection, human rights,ect., it has turned into an anti-male, pro-gay, abortion-on-demand propaganda machine.
Jason,
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful post... I was a stay at home mom and made to feel their was more to life even from the church.. More ministry..etc. which really is a sad state of affairs. Now I'm a gramma 3 times. My daughters have become wonderfully fulfilled women, who have learned how to balance both motherhood and work... however both would love to be stay home just like I did, maybe one day. Now I truly know what is the most important job a woman will ever have is... Motherhood!
i'm so glad you posted on this subject - many will never know until it is too late to have and/or enjoy the great pleasures of having children - as ours will be off to their lives (whatever they choose) within the next two to four years, we're already looking at one another like "our nest will be empty - DO YOU WANNA ADOPT?!?"
ReplyDeletehaving been a mother since the age of eight (when i began caring for my three younger siblings), i can tell you there are no greater rewards.
after ours are out on their own, i imagine i'll rekick start my career. or not. nancson wants me to go back to college with him! whattageek! I LOVE HIM!
p.s. - this is bound to tick feminazis off worldwide...especially the ones with the longshriveled ovaries...no legacy...no one to visit them in the old folk's home...just sayin'...
ReplyDeleteI couldn't agree more with everyone's sentiments here. Elbro brought this article to my attention and I had to do a post on it. It is a very compelling and bittersweet story from a STRONG woman. A woman with real strength and love.
ReplyDeleteExcellent post!!!And all so true.
ReplyDeleteWhen I was very pregnant with my large son, I caused a secretary in a fake sports car to have to stop and allow my waddling self cross the street.
ReplyDeleteThe look on her face of such superior humanity caused me to think of her with pity. All I could think was, "Who will visit you in the nursing home? And who will come to your funeral?"
Such a dead end way of "life".
This woman had the courage to take up that blessed burdan to become what she was never trained or expected to be.
I hope she has a girl next!
tmw
At least Rebecca had the courage to reject the bill of goods her mother was trying to sell her.
ReplyDeleteI saw this at Soccer Mom Unplugged.
Jason..great post!
ReplyDeleteis it my imagination or is she one of the most beautiful women on the planet? children have a way of doing that to a woman.
ReplyDelete*8]
She certainly oozes with joy and strength in her appearance and these qualities make her very beautiful to me.
ReplyDeleteElbro -- her mom not only cheated her but is now cheating herself of the joy of grandchildren in her life. Pride is such an asset one one side and a killer on the flip side. As Farmer is good about reminding us "nothing in excess."
ReplyDeleteWhat it comes down to, Rebecca grew up, Alice never will.
ReplyDeleteWomen are much more attractive than 'girls'.
Good morning, G*D bless and Maranatha!
tmw
The feminist movement started out with worthwhile goals. For goodness sakes, women weren't allowed to vote, they lost inheritance if they married, etc.
ReplyDeleteFeminism was all about women being free to choose marriage or careers, or both. Not all women are cut out to be mothers. Just because you can give birth doesn't mean you should.
Feminism accomplished its goals and is no longer necessary, but the left thinks otherwise.
Great post, Papa Frank! I'll be forwarding this one!
ReplyDeleteMy kids have been an important part of my life, and my wifes. The older we get, the more they tend to be the focal point.
ReplyDeletenice one my friend..women are made to feel useless if they stay home and do the most important job in the world: raise their children!!
ReplyDeleteJason, great post.
ReplyDeleteI bought into feminism early in my college years, but quickly learned that those preaching the lies were the most miserable people I'd ever met. True feminism champions every woman's pursuits....including and especially motherhood!
And yes, she IS beautiful, and probably looks younger and more full of life now than she did ten years ago....