Is there really anything more powerful than the mother and child bond? It’s undoubtedly one of the strongest attachments between beings, but what if this isn’t the case for all mothers? This is okay because, “As mothers, we should always do the best we can with what we have,” writes Heather Jones (“Is nurturing natural?”). I couldn’t agree more, because everyone – not just mothers – can benefit from this reminder from time to time.

Affirmation is always a good feeling, and that’s what came forth when our POV men answered this month’s question: What was the most important thing your mother taught you?. We’re sure their mothers will be very proud to read the answers. In fact, all mothers should take pride in those eerie moments when they find themselves repeating the same words they heard growing up, because surely some of the lessons they pass on will also stick with and help their own children as they make their way through life. Of course, there will be fallout from the many mothering mistakes, the effects of which our children will also carry through life. All we can hope is that they do it with a sense of humour.

In her review of Kate Long’s The Bad Mother’s Handbook, Wanda Lynne Young (“The Mother Lode,”) shares details of a story about the various cross-generational differences that arise when daughter, mother and grandmother all live under one roof. Sounds like a must-pick for us all, because part of being a woman is being a daughter or a mother, or both.

Challenges and obstacles are certainly nothing foreign to Huda Hussein and Margaret Johnston, who talked to Real Women writer Erin Isings (“Free to be you and me”) about acceptance and tolerance of cultural and ethnic differences. Their experiences – Hussein as an immigrant and Johnston’s conversion to Hinduism – reveal that there’s still progress to be made by Canada, both as a society and as a government.

What is it about our differences that can bring out a lack of acceptance and intolerance of each other? When I was seven or eight, there was an ugly incident when a neighbourhood bully viciously harassed another boy about his race in front of all the other kids. I still remember how bad I felt for the boy and also how disgusted I was that someone could be so mean for such a reason.

Whatever lies behind intolerance, the more we strive to respect and learn to appreciate the differences, the better our chances of thriving and surviving. In his article, “Make the differences count”, Dr. Robert Unger offers some good tips for how couples, in particular, can navigate when partners come from various backgrounds and families.
Maybe it’s just coincidence, or wishful thinking on our part, but this issue of Real Women is full of information and resources about outdoor living, whether it’s how to use the “hidden room” (a.k.a, the backyard), build a deck, or do anything else “alfresco.” We hope you’ll find the reading inspiring, if not somewhat comforting, that soon it will be nothing but warm breezes and lazy evenings while you sip something refreshing in your backyard oasis.

Shelley Vandermolen - Editor