Monday, June 7, 2010

Beware of Mama Bear

When most people describe me, I often hear kind comments.  I've been called a sweetheart, cute, kind, loyal, friendly, and the list goes on.  No, this does not go to my head and I'm not here to toot my own horn.  Rather, I'd like to showcase a different side of me.  Today I present to you, the rarely seen "mama bear."
While I dearly love the fabulous Berenstain Bear family books and tv series, I'm not referring to the lovely and wise matriarch of the family.  I'd like to think I'm both of those things, but that's not what I'm talking about today.  The instinctively protective nature of most mothers can bring out the bear in even the mildest mannered mommy, myself included.
Since I became pregnant with my oldest child, I've been presented with various situations that have brought out the grizzly in me.  If my children are threatened in any way, I can become a ferocious defender.  Yes, every inch of my under 5' frame has the ability to fill with adrenaline as I stand up for my offspring.  I'm not rippling like the Incredible Hulk, but I believe that the love for my boys would make me a strong adversary.
Truth be told, being a mama bear is not about physical strength.  It's about love, heart, determination, and protecting those you love.  The situations that provoke this portion of our personality come in all forms and do not usually result in a physical altercation.  I should clarify here.  Honestly, I've never been in a fight.  In my younger years I stood between people to stop them, but that's as far as it goes for me.  My kids need me to keep them safe in whatever way that applies.  At this stage in their young lives, it is my responsibility (and my husband's) to keep them away from people and out of situations that I feel would be unhealthy for them.  If I didn't do that, what kind of mama bear would I be?
Are you a mama or papa bear?  Do you feel it is your responsibility to protect your child?  Does that mama/papa bear feeling ever go away?  How far would you go to protect your child?

Beware of Mama Bear!


6 comments:

  1. Mindy,
    I am a Mama bear - I will move Heaven, Hell and Earth to protect my babies. I would lay my life down for either one of my girls without hesitation....The instincts of a Mama Bear are so deep....I do wonder at times why it is so strong for some moms but not others...

    ReplyDelete
  2. I think as moms we all have that instinct in us at times when it is needed. I bet you do grow a little bigger at those times.... :O)

    ReplyDelete
  3. Oh, I am DEFINITELY a mama bear! Now that the kidlet's older, I do try to step back and let her work out things herself, but it's hard. You always want the best for your kids. :)

    ReplyDelete
  4. I'm mama bear all right! Nice analogy!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Oh gosh yes. I think God knew what he was doing when he gave us large doses of ferocity when it comes to our children.

    ReplyDelete
  6. lol, I need to be more of a mama bear! My sisters and mom put me to shame with their ferocity. I have wonderful memories of my mom rushing to our rescue as kids. :-)

    ReplyDelete