Forget Mother's Day and Make it Mother's Month or Longer

By Doug Forbes

It’s only fitting that women were actually responsible for founding Mother's Day. This holiday’s roots took hold during the Civil War and grew to an official proclamation more than a century ago. Female abolitionists, suffragists and other activists were simply trying to draw attention to pivotal issues through a united front known as Mothering Sunday.

When hospitality and retail businesses quickly commercialized Mother's Day, many of these women wanted to abandon the day altogether for fear that profitability had trumped integrity.

In politics, profitability and influence-peddling too often also trump integrity, largely thanks to the men who dominate political offices. I took this photo of my love at the CA state capitol building before one of our myriad meetings.

If you look closely, she closed her eyes. One can only wonder what she was thinking. Regardless, she looks triumphant in her mission to draw attention to our foundation's pivotal issues, despite her despair.

Therefore, instead of buying flowers or making dinner reservations, men need to plant those flowers or make those meals. And not just once in a while.

We need to recognize that women, mothers, female partners are the ties that bind us to what's good and just in this otherwise inside out world.

I can no longer embrace you on Mother's Day, my love. And it's torturous today and every day without you near me. But know that this moment in this photo will help me embrace what truly matters… to carry on a mission that will help other mothers avoid the suffering that you endured. I love you forever and miss you and our girl so much.