On Mother's Day

(Illus: CA)

Happy Mother's Day.

Domestic workers, or nannies, are a sensitive subject to bring up on a day honoring mothers but Commercial Appeal reporter Cathryn Stout showed a deft and respectful touch.

It doesn't take away from a woman's mama cred to note that she had some help. I mean, there are plenty of women who rely on family and friends to help raise their children and that is a job though those folks might not get a salary. And at the same time, it is important to note the role that domestics play in the lives of those they care for.

And to that end, it would be stereotypical to only note the doting domestic working for a white family but Stout notes that domestics also work for well-to-do black families too.

In the end, it is about family, extended ones included. An excerpt:

Dr. Gina Stewart, pastor, said the occasion was partially inspired by personal experiences.

"Both (my) Aunt Oneather (Mason) and my grandmother (Odie Prewitt) were domestic workers." she said.

"They spoke often of the daily routines of the families they worked for and in many ways were considered as extended family.

"It is possible that some working women today have limited knowledge of the limited career options that were available to their moms, aunts and family matriarchs, because of the progress that we have made in recent decades and years. Thank God for their contributions, and thank God for our progress."

*CA: Hardworking.
*CA: Act up.