Ha'awe i ke kua; hi'i i ke alo - a tribute to motherhood

Welina me ke aloha! This episode of Morning Manaÿo honors the role of makuahine – mother. Ha'awe i ke kua; hi'i i ke alo. A burden on the back; a babe in the arms. Literally this 'ōlelo no'eau refers to a woman who works hard, carrying loads on her back while holding her baby in her arms. Imagine, in traditional times the makuahine would bundle up her babe and work in the fields, often carrying bundles of harvested mea ÿai on her back while holding baby in her arms. There was no such thing as day care, babysitting or TDI. Mother gave birth and continued to labor. Now, as we apply this proverb to the 21st century, as mothers we continue to balance our work and our kuleana to our families. Like the makuahine of old, women today often feel like we are carrying our burdens on our backs while trying to balance our babes in our arms. It is a constant struggle to manage work and home. Most of us aren’t able to be home full time. Economics have forced many women out into the work force, holding down full time jobs while caring for and raising up our beloved children. Our days begin early in the morning and end late at night or even in the wee hours of the next morning. Although we are exhausted and we long for more sleep, more quiet, more time, I’m sure we all agree that motherhood is a greater blessing than it is a burden. So, today, mothers, take some time to reflect on the joys of motherhood and lighten the burdens you may be carrying. Ha'awe i ke kua; hi'i i ke alo. Aloha nō, a hui hou. CLICK HERE to listen to and download the Morning Mana'o podcast.