This too shall pass (a second look)

Sherri T.

“This too shall pass” were the wise words of the mother of WOOM reader Roberta.

 Roberta’s mother was actually not the only one who used this expression. The assurance “this too shall pass” was also cited by Persians, Hebrews and Turks hundreds of years ago.

 These words were, and still are, a way of saying that the life challenges we may be experiencing, no matter how daunting, will not last forever. We can get through the rough air because the ride ahead will be much more smooth.

 As it turns out, our mothers have many different ways of conveying this message. “Tomorrow is a new day” is a variation on this theme.

 Some might say that a better tomorrow is an overly optimistic view because our troubles may certainly last longer that one night. But at least it is a message of hope – a small word that carries large meaning.

There are other expressions that help us through tough times. WOOM reader Paul shared his mother’s three small words: “Courage, mon fils.” Courage, my son. While Paul’s mother did not put any time frame around this advice, her words were always profoundly comforting to him.

 Why were so many mothers, for so many hundreds of years, telling us in one way or another that this too shall pass? Clearly, it is a reflection of the human condition.

 We all face serious trials in our lives. It may be difficult in the darkness to see even a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel. Worse still, the tunnel may feel entirely shut tight.

 Thankfully, along come our mothers to assure us that this too shall pass. Take heart. Life will not be like this forever. If we can just garner the strength to weather the storm, then there will be blue sky on the other side.

 How do they know this? How can all these mothers through the centuries be so sure that there will, in fact, be a better tomorrow? 

 Perhaps the wise words of the mother of my friend Michelle provide the best answer to these questions. “I have been your age. You have never been mine.”