by Kalí Rourke
(c) Can Stock Photo / rogistok
My husband's birthday often falls on Labor Day (although this year it is after the holiday) and the family lovingly teases his mom about "really celebrating Labor Day right!" She has nodded and smiled ruefully over the years, looking with pride at the three wonderful children she brought into the world. She devoted a good portion of her life to being their primary caregiver.
Dad Rourke was an extroverted sales and marketing guy with a great math mind and a way that made everyone around him feel lucky to be there. He always knew that he couldn't have done what he did without a strong woman to support him and he loved his wife fiercely. His insurance business brought travel and frequent moves for the family, and she was the glue that held it all together.
His success was hers, as well and she took pride in always being his loving, impeccably groomed, and incredibly organized partner. They were our role models in how to make a strong marriage last and they enjoyed over 50 years of happiness.
50th Anniversary Portrait by Sharon Roy Finch
Dad Rourke passed away in 2010, and Mom has resented not going with him sooner as she approaches 93 and is losing much of her independence to age and senility. Over the thirty-plus years, I have been married to her only son, every once in a while, I have sent her a thank you card on his birthday for giving me and the world such a gift.
This year, I sent it early. I wanted to be sure she would still be able to read it and know, perhaps for the last time, how special she is and how grateful I am to her for all she has done for us.
When we celebrate Labor Day, I know it is primarily to honor the working men and women of industry and commerce, but I submit to you that without the historic and heroic labor of women in the home, whether while giving birth or nurturing, educating, developing and loving these children as they grow, there would be no Labor Day to celebrate.
Happy Labor Day, Mom Rourke. You did a fabulous job and always made it look classy, coordinated, and effortless. As Bob Thaves so famously quipped about the great Ginger Rogers, "Backwards and in high heels," right?
Kalí Rourke is a wife, mother, writer, singer, volunteer, philanthropist, and a proud Seedling Mentor. She blogs at Kalí’s Musings and A Burning Journey – One Woman’s Experience with Burning Mouth Syndrome. This post originally appeared in Kalí's Musings.
Your piece was a stark reminder of my parents who labored tirelessly on a farm while also making time for their children to take piano lessons, join 4-H clubs, go to square dances and other school events. There was no special celebration on Labor Day for the milking of cows had to be done. I was taught the reward of a hard days work.
All we can do is tell their (and our) stories in their honor, don’t you think? Thanks for sharing your comment!
ahhhh! What a great way to honor your mother-in-law…so thoughtful.
Thanks! She is very special.