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Opinion May 12, 2022
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By Shawn Spencer
Mother Nature was on her best behavior last weekend. The weather was just glorious! As I enjoyed a lovely Mother’s Day brunch on the Myrtle sidewalk, I was so happy to see so many people out and about.
It appears that many people had the same idea as we did. I saw so many beautiful mothers enjoying the day with their family and friends. The smiles, flowers, balloons and pure joy was abundant. It was somewhat poignant — to sit there and watch so many new mothers with their infants, walk past elderly mothers with their grown children and grandbabies.
I found myself somewhere in the middle; reminiscent of when my babies were small and needed me for everything and my future as a gray-haired Nonna to hopefully many grandchildren. This evoked so many emotions for me; both joyful and woeful, but also so much pride.
I heard on the news that being a mom is equal to having 2.5 full time jobs. If you didn’t already know this, mothers are amazing. They grow humans, which is extraordinary in and of itself. It is a lifetime commitment that is filled with highs and lows, joy and sorrow and is the most exquisite job that one could be blessed with. It is not for the faint of heart, but isn’t that part of where a woman’s beauty lies? The juxtaposition of softness and supreme strength.
This Mother’s Day I am thankful for the incredible journey that motherhood brings. My four beautiful children have been the best gift I could have ever hoped for, and they have taught me as much as I have taught them. Cheers to all of you beautiful mothers, in every stage of your essential role as Mom.
It might be warming up this week, but Mother Nature is on a roll! It looks like we will be celebrating our beloved Monrovia’s birthday party with temperatures ranging from 92 through 100 degrees. Warmish, but nothing a snow cone or the beer garden can’t handle, along with a little sunblock and a hat.
As usual, Keely Milliken and her Centre Stage crew have an awesome party planned for the entire community! Last year, the event was modified, due to the pandemic. I know I am not alone when I say that I am thrilled that the party is back in full force! Centre Stage, the City of Monrovia and the Monrovia Unified School Board have come together, once again, to celebrate M-town in style. There will be the parade, rides, games, live music, bouncers, food and more! Don’t forget the show-stealer: Incredible performances from the kids at Centre Stage and our Monrovia Schools.
The party starts on Friday from 5 p.m. through 10 p.m. Don’t miss out on Opening Ceremonies at Library Park at 9 a.m., and then the parade from 10 a.m. through 11 a.m. Scream, cheer and wave to all your favorite entries. The (in)famous Merengue Pie Eating Contest is Saturday, at 5:30 p.m. It is something you do not want to miss.
The party continues Sunday from noon to 8pm. Visit monroviadays.org to purchase tickets, to sponsor or to get more info. I am so excited! One more sleep until the party starts! Hope to see you all there with your dancin’ shoes on.
As we celebrate our town’s birthday, let us pay homage to Steve Baker. Steve served not only as our City Treasurer, but as our beloved City Historian as well. Steve was gentle, kind, gracious, funny and a lover of authentic architecture and all things historical. He is responsible for what we know today about Monrovia’s past and he is utterly irreplaceable. I will miss him this year, riding in the parade in his vintage “Mr. Monopoly” suit and top hat. Thank you, Steve. Your chronicles of Monrovia and the surrounding area are a priceless gift to all of us.
