Gratitude for Motherly Care and Love

By

Editor’s Note: A mother’s care – or the care of a motherly figure – is crucial in times of illness. Here, blogger Sheryl Ness talks about the lessons we can learn from motherly caring:

I have an incredible mom who reads my blog every week. She's my biggest fan. No matter what's happening, she's always there to cheer me on. I'm so lucky to have such a great role model — she taught me so much about caring for others.

As you think about your mother — or the mother figures in your life — what words do you think of? I think of caring, loving, nurturing, kind, strong, constant, empowering and patient.

Consider your own path from diagnosis to treatment and recovery — remember when what you really needed most was the love and kindness of a mother. It might be your mother, a family member, a friend, your partner in life or other survivors who have been where you are and know just what to say and do to make you feel loved and cared for.

Next time you feel that someone is struggling with the emotions and stress of living with cancer — think about the things a mother might do (it's ok for the men, too).

Reach out to others with your mothering care by:

Making their favorite meal

Holding their hand

Talking about what's going on in their life

Bringing them comfort items — such as homemade cookies, a beautiful plant, a cozy blanket or slippers

Playing cards together

Inviting them out for a special lunch or outing

Going together to a movie or shopping

Some days it's hard to know what to say — so instead show how much you care with kindness and a personal connection. Remember how special it is to feel cared for like a mother would. It's one of the best feelings I've experienced.

I'd love to have you share your stories about the mothers in your lives. Follow me on Twitter @SherylNess1. Join the discussion at #livingwithcancer.

Reprinted with permission from www.mayoclinic.org. Sheryl Ness is a nurse educator for the Cancer Education Program at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn.