The Best Mothers’ Day Present Doesn’t Always Come Wrapped in a Pretty Box

Donna Sceusa (one of NYAGI’s volunteer Ultrasound instructors)  after assembling Christmas tree village for her granddaughter, Christmas 2022.

Yesterday after having dinner with friends of my daughter and son in law, I turned on the television and learned that another mass shooting had occurred. Stick with me even if this sounds to you like a ghastly way to start a Mothers’ Day blog.

Well, I am a mother and grandmother and a fellow human being.   I found myself becoming increasingly incensed at the routine press conferences that praised the bravery of first responders, only to be followed by the mayor's icy and predictable offering of "thoughts and prayers" for the victims. In fact, I was so fed up with it that I had to turn off the TV to avoid hearing any more of this tired rhetoric!

A Mother's Frustration with Political Inaction on Gun Control

When is this carnage going to end, and more importantly, how can we put a stop to it? Here is a stark reality that Americans must confront today - gun violence claims more young lives than hunger or childhood diseases!   What’s worse,  the children who are disproportionately victimized by gun violence are not old enough to use the ballot box to defend themselves.

There are individuals from the extreme political right who identify as pro-life, yet fail to take action or provide solutions to address gun violence. It raises questions about how they can still claim to be pro-life once a child is born. It's unfortunate that a sitting president of the United States does not have the constitutional authority to ban assault weapons, which is a power that leaders in many other democratic countries possess. The previous ban on assault weapons passed by Congress had a positive impact on saving lives and the numbers bear this out. Although measures like background checks and red flag laws can help mitigate gun violence, it's difficult to monitor the increasing anger and mental health issues that contribute to these tragedies.

It's time to  stop fooling ourselves.  Assault weapons only belong with the trained military.   By the same token, it’s time to also recognize that allowing civilians to possess assault weapons only contributes to the increasing violence and devastation caused by gun violence. We urgently need to  enact meaningful gun control measures — including a ban on assault weapons — to protect the lives of innocent individuals and prevent more tragedies. We cannot continue to ignore the issue and make excuses for inaction.  It’s our collective responsibility to ensure the safety and security of our communities.

Choosing Human Connection over Material Gifts on Mother's Day

On a brighter note, on this auspicious occasion of Mother's Day, I believe that the most precious gift doesn’t always come wrapped in pretty paper and a bow. Instead, we might find more depth and meaning in taking a moment to consider the true meaning of this holiday.  For me, the most valuable gift is not something material or wrapped in a pretty box, but rather the precious time spent with my loved ones. Whether it's my children, granddaughter, sister, or close friends, being surrounded by their love and warmth is what truly makes my heart sing.

As we reflect on the issue of gun violence, it's important to remember how we often take those closest to us for granted. But by reaching out to someone we haven't spoken to in a while or sending a handwritten note, we can make a real difference in someone's life. I recently reconnected with two friends after thirty years, and it was as if no time had passed at all - a beautiful reminder of the power of human connection.

The COVID-19 pandemic has shown us just how much we rely on these small moments of connection, even with those we may not know well. We all have familiar faces we see everyday, yet even without knowing their names, they create a sense of community and belonging that is truly special.  So this Mother's Day, I encourage you to take a moment to appreciate the people in your life and let them know how much you care.  Whether or not you have children or family to visit, take time to create special moments and share them with those you hold dear.