Talking About Mother's Day

Mothers are a special breed. Every woman does not, cannot and will not make a good mother. A woman who makes a conscious decision not to have children is a wise woman indeed. My mother was an absolute jewel. Our house was spotless and you could see your reflection in our highly-buffed wood floors. She would spend her entire weekends washing, starching and ironing our school clothes for the next week. She would leave us little surprises on Sunday mornings and would prepare the best Sunday morning breakfasts that included hot homemade rolls. Undoubtedly, she was a much better mother than I will ever be. Despite that fact, I work extremely hard at parenting and trying to ensure that my son will grow up to be a smart, strong, independent man with backbone. As mothers, and especially as black mothers, we tend to over protect our sons. We make our daughters learn how to cook, clean, sew, drive, bank, wash clothes, etc., but our sons are typically sheltered from these lessons and life's harsh realities. Young males need to understand that life is tough and that they will have to make difficult decisions. They need to understand that their decisions will come with consequences -- consequences they must be prepared to deal with. Parents should not be involved in the decisions of their grown sons and daughters. We should provide advice, if asked. I do not intend to allow myself or my husband to become "helicopter" parents. We will help our son navigate through life's difficulties teaching him basic life skills and how to solve problems. We must teach him responsibility so that when the time comes he can stand on his own two feet. We render a terrible disservice to our children when we allow them to become too dependent on us. So this mother's day -- I have been assured that I will have a day of rest -- I will use the time to reflect on my skills as a mother and strengthen my resolve to rear a strong, happy and successful man. Happy Mother's Day.

Dr. Paul Farmer Speaks at NSU

On Friday, May 15, Physicians for Peace will bring its biennial Global Health Forum to Norfolk State University. The keynote speaker will be Dr. Paul Farmer, founding director of Partners in Health and noted medical anthropologist and physician. Partners in Health is an international non-profit organization that provides direct health care services for people who are sick and living in poverty. What a noble cause -- using one's skills to help mankind. This work truly does transform lives and communities. The May 15 Global Health Forum will also feature panel discussions that range from building collaborative partnerships within existing programs to technology and training. We're expecting a full house at the L. Douglas Wilder Performing Arts Center on the NSU campus. There are many hurting people in the world and organizations like Physicians for Peace and Partners in Health do a lot to help ease the suffering globally. Reserve your seat today for the Physicians for Peace Global Health Forum. Perhaps you'll get some ideas on how you can help.

Get Screened for Diabetes

One of the hardest jobs I have ever had was trying to take care of my ailing parents. Mama had diabetes and it took a terrible toll on her body. She was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in her 50s. I don't ever think she took having diabetes seriously. When a neighbor asked her once how she was coping with diabetes she told him, "It ain't bothering me and I ain't bothering it." And, she meant it. Most of the time, mama did not manage her diabetes, and left uncontrolled, diabetes will destroy the body one organ at a time. In her late 70s, mama began to have trouble with her eyes. By the time she turned 80, she was almost blind. She also developed kidney disease and was forced to go on dialysis. Her legs became useless because diabetes unchecked plays havoc with the circulatory system. Many black people with diabetes "wear" the disease like some badge of honor and will quickly tell you they are diabetic all the while stuffing their faces with fried chicken or filling a doggie bag from the family reunion with ribs and collard greens swimming in fatback grease. I'm telling you all this so that you can understand what diabetes can do. If you experience symptoms such as frequent urination, excessive thirst, extreme hunger, unexplained weight loss, or blurry vision -- get yourself checked out! Diabetes can be controlled with proper diet, exercise, insulin or other medication. Take charge of your health today. Don't let diabetes take you out!