Celebrating Motherhood
May 9, 2024 | Events, General, Kline Galland Home, Mary Schwartz Summit
Mothers have a profound influence on us – as individuals and as a society. Mother’s Day is a chance to celebrate the nurturing, loving, and indomitable spirit of caregiving. At Kline Galland, we see the remarkable stories and insights from mothers who have lived rich, vibrant lives. This Mother’s Day, as we honor our mothers and grandmothers with our annual Mother’s Day Celebration, we’re inspired by their stories and want to share some of their wisdom, hoping it might resonate with today’s mothers and caregivers just as deeply.
Rita Gelman, 86, from Bridgeport, Connecticut
Rita, a mother of two and a grandmother, enjoys the simple joy brought by her granddog Kira, a golden retriever, who often visits her at Kline Galland. Rita’s advice to parents is to “Smile a lot and talk to whomever you can,” highlighting the importance of maintaining positivity and remaining connected to the community.
Becky Sidis, 101, from Seattle, Washington
As the matriarch of a small yet tightly knit family, Becky lights up when speaking of her grandsons, calling them “the love of my life.” Her parenting tip? “Be honest with your children and make them laugh.” This simple yet profound advice reminds us that honesty and humor are key ingredients in nurturing a loving family environment.
Henrietta Williams, 79, originally from Little Rock, Arkansas
Henrietta, who grew up in a large family of 10 siblings, always found herself in a nurturing role, helping to care for her younger siblings and spending quality time with nearby family. She advises today’s mothers to “be with your children and be there for them when they need you.” Henrietta believes unconditional support forms the backbone of motherhood.
Valentina ‘Val’ Inocentes, 98, from Manila, Philippines
Val, a mother to nine children, has always lived a life of service, growing up in a village created by her own mom for orphaned and abandoned children. Her advice echoes her life’s philosophy: “Love your children and always help people. Pray and keep your faith close for guidance.” Val emphasizes the importance of kindness, love, help, and faith in parenting.
Shirley Eaton, 88, from Schenevus, New York
Shirley, who has four children and was a schoolteacher, understands the challenges of parenting across different states and instructing multiple children. She advises mothers to “listen to your children and set rules,” even though they may be defiant. Her insight underscores the importance of communication as well as boundaries in raising children.
Vera Kantor, 89, from Johannesburg, South Africa
A mother of four and grandmother of 22, Vera emphasizes the importance of independence in children. She advises, “Give your children a certain amount of freedom to learn a lesson or two; it makes them become independent much quicker and, in a much healthier way, they can always come back home.” Her approach not only fosters autonomy and promotes healthy bonding. For Vera’s offspring, that meant staying in Seattle near her.
Bernice Bloch, 98, originally from New York
Bernice enjoys the role of a grandmother, cherishing the ability to spoil her grandchildren. She recognizes that although the world has changed over the years, being a mother is still the same. In addition to honoring each child’s individuality, Bernice advises, “Listen to them; try to understand. You can’t just say no—they need a reason for the no so that they can understand the whys behind it.” This wisdom underscores the importance of acceptance, dialogue, and critical thinking when rearing young ones.
Sylvia, 94, from New York
Sylvia treasures being both a mother and a grandmother, finding joy in both roles. Her advice is straightforward, “Don’t wait for tomorrow to do anything. Be with them every day, as much as you can.” She also notes that mother should “Put your child first, yourself second, and your husband third.” Her perspective highlights not only the importance of being there for your children throughout their milestones but the value of self-care.
Timeless Wisdom of Caring
As we reflect on these pieces of wisdom, we’re reminded of the enduring values that these wonderful women have shared: love, honesty, support, and guidance. These values not only enrich our understanding of motherhood but also enhance our efforts to provide exceptional care for our residents every day.
This Mother’s Day, as we honor all mothers and mother figures, let us also remember the senior mothers among us who inspire and teach us. In their honor, we invite you to support our continuous efforts to provide loving and dedicated care. Your donations help us ensure that every day is as fulfilling as possible for our residents. Celebrate motherhood by giving back to those who have given so much.
Thank you to everyone who takes care of others. You can join Kline Galland in honoring our mothers and grandmothers this Mother’s Day by becoming a supporter of our Mother’s Day Celebration!
From Kline Galland, we wish you a wonderful Mother’s Day!
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Sources: interviews with Kline Galland residents
