Cathain nach 'máthair' í 'an mháthair'?

Cathain nach 'máthair' í 'an mháthair'? Translated means "when is a mother not a mother?" I am not sure that this is ever the case. What I do know is Mother's Day is May 14th and that will be here quicker than a leprechaun can hide his gold. In Ireland the father was always looked upon as the protector and the bread winner. The mother was in charge of the home and raising the children. Often the Irish families were very large and the wife/mother had a huge task with little or no help. It is because of her love and devotion that the mother is so revered.  The mothers cleaned the house, did the laundry, found the time to do the shopping and cooked the meals.  She also set the religious example by attending church/mass nearly every day.  In her 'spare time' she would also take in sewing and laundry to help pay the rent or simply helped in the fields.  These saintly women would not have time to watch a soap opera even if they had a television but they always had time for their families. Take the time this year to remember your Mam, Mom, Mammy, Ma, Mommy or Mother. You can do it with a card, candy, flowers, a trip to her favorite restaurant or a meaningful piece of jewelry. It doesn't matter to her how you remember her but trust me it does matter that you remember.