I am one of those that find a difference between being a "Mama" and a "Mother" or even a "Mom". I am all of the above, but being raised by a true "Mama" (who was also all of the above)I tend to "mother" more in the way of a "Mama".
This election is bringing out the "Mama" in me more and more everyday!
Appease me just a bit and forget about sexism, Women's Rights, Hillary Clinton, Sarah Palin and feminists. Strip off all of the rhetoric, half-truths, lies, misstatements, gaffes and narrow this election down to what it is; a choice; a vote for you and a vote for me.
Here in the South, it is an honor to be referred to as "Mama" by your children (or anyone else other than a lover) especially once they reach an adult maturity level. There is a certain respect that goes along with the term that "Mother" is too formal for and "Mom" is too casual for. "Mama" is the epitome of motherhood. It is the most important label and job in the entire world, "Daddy" being a close second. (No disrespect intended.)
I've been a PTA Mom, a soccer Mom, a Band Booster Mom, a Step-Mom, an Adoptive Mom, a single Mom, and a child raised by a single Mom. So I do give myself a little credence when it comes to the subject of mothering and raising kids and voting for the best possible choice when an election occurs.
A "Mama" will put her/himself last and lift up the kiddos as if they are all that is important. By the same token and often in the very same circumstance, a "Mama" will smite the kiddos and teach them a thing or two about a thing or two while lifting them up, just so they don't get too haughty and self-absorbed. A "Mama" will work four under-paid jobs to support her/his babies and find work that will allow her/him to be a "Mama" while at work, even if she/he has to move across country all the while being put down by others for being too unstable and moving too much. A "Mama" will always in the end do what's best for her/his children even if it means leaving them behind for a little while, so that they don't have to experience the hunger and sleeping in a car or worse having nowhere to sleep. A "Mama" will fight tooth and nail for her/his children and never bat an eye, all the while making sure that everyone knows that her/his children aren't perfect and that she/he knows it, but don't dare tread on her/his children or their rights. A "Mama" will (if necessary) go for days without eating so that her/his children can. And only eat enough then to be able to work to be able to provide more. A "Mama" will spank a butt in a heart beat and a "Mama" always has a hug and a kiss and an adoring word for her/his children. A "Mama" will always do the best with what is at hand for her family and will always strive for something better. They can prepare a substantial and tasty meal, miraculously from what appeared to be an empty cupboard and refrigerator to anyone else. A "Mama" is the closest thing that I know of to a God. You do not have to be biological to be a "Mama" and you do not have to be female, but all children NEED to have a "Mama". And if you have been fortunate enough to have one then go give him/her a hug or a phone call and thank them.
Having prefaced this diary with the meaning behind being a "Mama" versus being any other term of endearment for a parent, I'll now get to the point. This is the most important election in my lifetime. This 2008 Presidential Election. It occurred to me the other day that if enough "Mamas" would truly be able to take the time or find the time to think about what this means for our children's future, I would not lose sleep. But, I know what it is to be a single parent, I know what it is to be worried about today not next week, or 56 days from now, or two years from now...not even tomorrow. Sometimes TODAY is enough to worry about and not knowing how to get through it or even if you will. Because being a "Mama" requires all of your thought and all of your energy, elections and politics are very far down on the list of priorities for a "Mama". Most "Mamas" can only pray and hope that those that do have time to keep up, research and vote; will do the right thing for everyone, especially for her/his children. Most "Mamas" live off of significantly less than FIVE MILLION DOLLARS and most are ashamed to ask for help, from our government and social services or from family and friends. They are Pro-Life and they are Pro-Choice, they are religious and they are not, "lipstick" is usually the last thing on their minds and the only vision of a "pig" that they conjure is in the form of chops or bacon and how much it will cost them. Earmarks mean little to them, unless someone has shown them a way to feed their family from it.
So I beg of you, and I literally mean BEG, when you vote, vote for the "Mama" that isn't able and maybe not as educated as you, or as well off financially as you, or has as much free time as you to educate themselves on which candidate will work for ALL Americans, vote for the Mama that I had who is no longer here on this planet but somehow in my heart I know is doing what she can to make sure truth and honor are shown in this election that has become such a debacle. Think like a Mama and vote for the children, the ones that have no voice yet, the ones that will inherit what we leave behind. For Pete's or for God's sake do not vote for how good looking a candidate is or how well they spin the facts, or how many children they have.
Because when it comes down to it...being a "Mama" ain't about how many you have, it is about quality and values and truth and backbone and the spirit that you raise them in and hope and yes even change. Search your soul, not your party alliance or your pocketbook, search within and vote regardless of polls and media spin. Vote for those that you know in your deepest depths will do what is right for AMERICA and her children.