With a brush of the hair, ever so delicate, you go to sleep listening to her hum the same lullaby you love. A solemn embrace that lets you know no matter what comes may, it'll be okay. She tells stories of her past, which she keeps from your brother and father. For these stories, or more so, pieces of wisdom, are specially narrated for you.
The relationship between a mother and daughter transcends time and space.
Author Judith L. Jones, in her book Black Soil, White Cotton, Sweet and Bitter Fruit includes the enlightening conversations between a mother and her daughter through her life growing up in Winona, Mississippi. The book is an embodiment of the beautiful relationship as the author expanded upon her learnings and acquired wisdom from her mother, which she now shares with the world.
Inspired by her riveting book, let's delve deep into the relationship between the mother-daughter dynamic in this blog.
Importance
Mother and daughter, without the labels, are women first. And it isn't easy being a woman in the modern world. A mother readies her daughter, teaching the virtues of womanhood and preparing her for the tough life ahead.
They say a woman's greatest treasure is her daughter; simultaneously, a daughter's sunshine illuminates her mother.
Their relationship is a duality; where one nurtures, the other instills growth. While a daughter is taken care of and taught the skills to meet life head-on, a mother self-reflects and improves as an individual.
Every mother-daughter relationship is unique in its own beautiful way. But what's common between them is the generational gap which directly affects their interactions and dynamics.
Beautiful Synergy
This generational gap breeds friction; this is exactly why you would observe numerous cases where daughters aren't on the best terms with their mothers. The reason is imposition. Daughters feel like they aren't being listened to and often rebel when told what to do. And every time they voice their opinion, they are greeted with the good old "mother knows best" treatment.
This friction or conflict is natural, but a beautiful synergy manifests once both parties find common ground.
A Bittersweet Relationship
Just like life, the relationship between a mother and daughter is bittersweet. There will be arguments, but they will be overshadowed by moments of joy. However, when the two spend time with each other, whether braiding each other's hair or having ginger tea on the porch, everything else just seems to blur out.
Delve into Judith L. Jones' insightful read as the author's beloved mother shares her experiences through life. Woman or not, the wisdom delivered in the book is universal. Immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of living in a community, the difference between hospitality and hostility, and how maturity is the gateway to responsibility.
Grab Black Soil, White Cotton, Sweet and Bitter Fruit, now available on Amazon.
