Where I Stand — Brian Greenspun: A timely holiday gift

Sunday, May 14, 2000 | 10:59 a.m.

Brian Greenspun is the editor of the Las Vegas Sun.

This is a very happy Mother's Day.

I trust that mothers all around this great country are able to either celebrate with their loved ones or, at least, share long distance experiences as we take the time to honor those who brought us into this world and nurtured us to adulthood. Those of us who are able to tell our mothers in person that we love them and appreciate their sacrifices to make us better people must realize how fortunate we are because there are so many among us who can only share those thoughts through the memories of the women who gave them life.

Today, unlike Mother's Days in the past, our daughter will be giving to her mother, Myra, and her grandmothers, Barbara and Rachel, a most special gift. It is one I would hope that all mothers or grandmothers can experience, although I realize that isn't the case. But, if not from this generation then, hopefully, from the next.

Today, after we celebrate with family and loved ones this special day set aside to honor Mom, my family will be traveling to Loyola Law School to witness the graduation of our daughter, Amy. After all, this is the time of year when high school, college, law school, medical school and other graduations turn our attention away from the challenges of the present toward the hopes and dreams of the future. As we watch with pride as our children, at whatever age and whatever grade level, are conferred that degree, which acknowledges their hard work, dedication and determination to better themselves and their families, we can take some pride in ourselves. For as parents we have done our parts in preparing another generation for the excitement that this 21st century will bring.

As I write this I am trying to recall my own law school graduation and the prideful reactions of my parents as I strode to the podium to be recognized for achieving that significant milestone. What I remember most, though, was handing my mother my diploma because for the three years I learned the law it was at her insistence. I did the work, but my mother provided the inspiration. If I remember correctly it went something like this, "You will become a lawyer."

As I look forward to Amy's graduation I realize not much changes from one generation to another. Let me put it this way, neither Myra nor I were disappointed when Amy told us she had decided to go to law school. Mind you, she had one of the best jobs in the world at the time, which was traveling throughout this country and around the world with Tipper Gore. I know that leaving Mrs. Gore was a very difficult decision for Amy but that it was also one that required a great deal of maturity and foresight. Now, what seemed like an eternity is almost upon us. It has been three years since our daughter put her political ambitions on hold to learn all that she could about the law. Heck, it barely seems like three years have passed since my own graduation!

But, as much as I know that this day is for Amy and all the young people in this country who have achieved graduation status, it is also still about Mom. And, in that regard, I am married to a mother who could well be the happiest Mom I know.

There is nothing I can give her and, certainly, nothing I can buy her that will match the feeling of fulfillment she will know when she sees her daughter at that podium as she first introduces the commencement speaker and then receives that law degree. Part of that feeling comes from her own lament that when it was her time -- which also happened to be during the tumultuous Vietnam era in which institutions meant so little -- she opted out of her own ceremony. Today she realizes more than ever that the processional music and the sheepskin were not for her benefit alone but an acknowledgment for her parents that they had done their jobs well.

Today Myra's parents will be in the audience. Having both grandparents at Amy's age is a blessing. They will not only bask in her glow as she strides to the stage but they will also feel a nostalgic twinge as they remember the graduation they never got. Today they will have it all. That Amy and her mother can give them that present makes this a very special Mother's Day, indeed. My mother will have just returned from one niece's graduation and will be preparing for a grandson's high school rite of passage while she watches yet another grandchild become a lawyer. She is still the inspiration that sets the educational tone in this family.

As for the rest of us and for all the moms -- and dads -- who are lucky enough to learn the joy that comes from the knowledge that our kids are doing well and right, what else can we ask and what else can we offer?

The answer should be that we must ask for nothing other than the ability to inspire our children and grandchildren to achieve all that they can be. We can offer our assistance, our guidance and our love as they seek for themselves the educational opportunities that will allow them to succeed. We can do all of this in the names of the mothers of the world who would wish for all children the very best that life can offer.

That's why this Mother's Day is a memorable one in our house. Amy has honored her mother by achieving academic success. Her parents have never been so proud nor loved her more.

Myra and I have honored our mothers by passing on to our child the thirst for knowledge that they have instilled in us. It is a gift that makes us proud to give and one which we know will be returned tenfold in the future. It is a gift I know all mothers dream about. Put it on your list.

Happy Mother's Day.