At least the world’s united about one thing: the importance of mothers. Where would we be if not for them? You know, those people who share their DNA, outlook on life and much, much more with their “chips off the old block.”

I think a major part of what makes the culture here so different from the “gringo” one – and for me so much more appealing – is the emphasis on family with all its inherent values. The last I heard, Canadian couples were having two point something kids, while their Mexican counterparts were having about three times as many – which makes for a lot of sweet, smiling little faces everywhere you go and a society structured around them. And I love it.

In their great-grandparents’ day, the tendency was to have 18 or more little ones. They, in turn, gave birth to a dozen or so, while most of today’s young parents have five or six siblings. So the birthrate is on a downward trend, each generation pretty much cutting their progeny in half. And if the kids of today follow the pattern, future families may consist of just two or three children – not much larger than those up north.

But in the meantime, I get to enjoy seeing all these beautiful babies and little ones. Missing my own grandchildren tremendously, they’re a balm for my heart. Mind you, I must admit that there are times when I’m out late at night and, to my chagrin, the little ones are too, running and playing in the parks and streets. At those times I’m sorely tempted to shout “What are you little monkeys doing up so late? It’s way past your bedtime!” But I laugh to myself instead, realizing it’s just one more of those cultural differences that is making my life here so rich with learning.

This coming weekend, May 9 and10, will see both Mexican and expatriate moms celebrating their special day. Mother’s Day in this country is always May 10, regardless of the day of the week, which this year is a Saturday. And we expats always celebrate the second Sunday of May, which this year happens to be the very next day. So it’s a double header. There seems to be a lot of fuss made over moms and grandmoms here, the entire family getting into the act with flowers and special treats. If you don’t like crowds you may consider cooking at home this weekend, since restaurants everywhere are sure to be full of families celebrating this special time.

Meanwhile, SEAPAL water company workmen are busy ensuring that the pipes beneath our city streets are ready to meet the onslaught of the soon-to-arrive summer rains. Living here long enough to have a sense of the rhythm of what goes on here year after year, I know this type of street work routinely happens every May and June. Others know this, too. En route to my office, I saw several entrepreneurs with baskets on their heads bringing food and drink to the grateful, hot and hungry workers.

This is just one small example of how each of us, young or old, male or female, has an important role to play in supporting one another and our community.

If you have any comments, questions or suggestions about what you’re reading, you’re encouraged to let me know at heather@mexmags.com.