Paw Prints TidBits for May

The majority of countries that celebrate Mother's Day do so on the second Sunday of May. On this day, it is common for Mothers to be lavished with special attention from their families, friends and loved ones. (Mothers are encouraged to read that last sentence out loud to their families.) This month's anecdote highlights one of history's remarkable mothers, Cornelia, wife of Tiberius. The sidebar contains some light-hearted humor about motherhood. We invite you to view a slideshow of tender moments between mothers and their offspring, paired with some amazing quotes.

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Anecdote of the Month

Cornelia (Second Century BC)

Cornelia
A n e c d o t e . . .

Cornelia gave birth to 12 children, however only three lived to adulthood. Two of them, Tiberius and Gaius, grew up to become the famous reformers of Rome's agrarian laws. When the two were still young boys, Cornelia once received at her house a wealthy Roman lady, who proudly showed off her jewelry to her hostess. She then challenged Cornelia to show off her own jewels. Cornelia gestured toward her sons, who had just entered the room. "These are my jewels," she said.

[Visit our website to see the painting from which this image of Cornelia is taken.]



B i o g r a p h i c a l . N o t e . . .

Roman aristocrat, daughter of Scipio Africanus, wife of Tiberius Sempronius Gracchus. She refused to remarry after her husband's death, devoting herself to her children, whom she educated well and inspired with a sense of civic duty and a desire for glory.



M o r e . I n f o r m a t i o n . . .

FIND OUT MORE about the reform of Rome's agrarian laws.


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Motherhood Humor

Three Cheers for Mom

Father: Don't you think our son gets his brains from me?

Mother: Probably, dear. I still have all of mine.

Taking Turns
After a young couple brought their new baby home, the wife suggested that her husband should try his hand at changing diapers. "I'm busy," he said, "I'll do the next one." The next time came around and she asked again. The husband looked puzzled, "Oh! I didn't mean the next diaper. I meant the next baby!"

The Last Straw
After putting her children to bed, a mother changed into old slacks and a worn out blouse and proceeded to wash her hair. As she heard the children getting more and more rambunctious, her tolerance grew thin. At last she put a towel around her head and stormed into their room, putting them back to bed with severe warnings. While leaving the room, she overheard her three-year-old say with a shaky voice, "Who was 'that'?"

Reflections on Motherhood

The best conversations with mothers always take place in silence.
Click to view The best conversations with mothers always take place in silence. My mother had a great deal of trouble with me, but I think she enjoyed it. The tie which links mother and child... I lovemy mother as the trees love water and sunshine.
Mother is the name for God in the lips and hearts of little children. Who is the best taught? He who has first learned from his mother. My mother is my bridge. The best thing you can give children are good memories. Who, being loved, is poor?