Mother is the modern English equivalent of the old English “Modor”.  This word originated from the Latin word, mater, pronounced “mah-ter.” If you think of the term, “Alma mater” generally referring to the school from which you graduated. It is true that all students who matriculate do not complete their studies. “Alma mater”, literally means “nourishing mother” in Latin. So why am I pondering the importance of a mom on St. Patrick’s day? 

I generally pick up Hank for school and Thursday morning was no exception. I walked into the house to see tiny green footprints all over the floor.  Hank was getting dressed in his mostly green outfit. What happened to the house? Hank and Margie had meticulously built traps to capture the Leprechaun. A box covered in tape was Hank’s trap with a gold chain to lure the wee person. It turned out that the Leprechaun is very clever and he sent a scout to make sure it was safe for him to appear. Trapped in the tape was unsuspecting Barbie, sacrificed to the trap. The basement was strewn with crepe paper, glitter, and the kids bathroom was full of balloons and small green footprints. There was a note on the mirror in green. I told Megan she was a great mother, encouraging creativity and chaos at no small investment in time and clean up.  Kids are truly lucky when they have an exceptional mother. 

I think of the children in Ukraine, who are victims of the war crimes of the despicable Cipactli.  Our hearts go out to the mothers fleeing the fighting with their children. No St. Patricks day celebration or certainty that they will have a safe place to stay – or assurance they will reunite with their fathers. President Zelenskyy called on our imaginations to consider bombs dropping on our cities and remember 911 and Pearl Harbor. The Ukranian people are very fortunate to have a brave leader who has not backed down to Russia’s unprovoked attack on his country. The world has united behind  Zelenskyy and his countrymen as they bravely defend their nation against oppression.  

I do not believe any informed Mother in Russia can support this war against their Ukranian neighbors, friends, and relatives. No mother could imagine or condone their own children being indiscriminately targeted by bombs.  In an information void, people believe what they are told. Dare to speak the truth and citizens are punished. Freedom of a nation, speech, thought, and the press are at risk. 

I appreciate that Cipactli is threatening the world with his nuclear arsenal. He will be no less dangerous if he prevails in the Ukraine – the world cannot tolerate war crimes. I hope NATO can agree on the most aggressive possible strategy and the United States remains fully committed. 

In a democracy, dissent is allowed. In Russia, if you don’t support the Government’s lies you are scum and a traitor according to their leader. Take a minute to appreciate our democracy.  Mike