Nature, the gentlest mother,

Impatient of no child,

The feeblest or the waywardest,

—Her admonition mild….”

— Emily Dickinson

By Susan Andrews

We turn our thoughts to all mothers this Mothers’ Day, Sunday. We consider all the mothers and grandmothers throughout the generations who have nurtured and nourished, guided and educated; who have cared for us when we were sick, hurt or down in spirit, as well as our Mother Earth, which does the same.

Through God’s grace, Mother Earth gives us the renewal of Spring — life in abundance and delicious gifts from field, farm and garden, like the flowers and strawberries we enjoy while celebrating mothers on this special day.

We also turn our attention to the mothers that live in nature: the nesting birds, the fox with her kits, the otter and her pups, the squirrels and rabbits. These mothers nurture and nourish in one way or another during this spring season.

As we give thanks for our mothers, let us also give thanks for Mother Earth, who is a constant source of joy, wonder and renewal.

Happy Mothers’ Day.

Susan Andrews is a retired teacher and master naturalist who has been an outdoor person all her lives, exploring and enjoying the woods, swamps, rivers and beaches throughout the region for many years. Email her at b.andrews22@live.com.