Pollyanna Had a Point

A Mother Looks Hard to Find the Good in Everything

By Karen Edmisten

Recently our family watched a Masterpiece Theater production of Pollyanna based on the classic novel by Eleanor H. Porter. We all have a passing familiarity with the character and her stereotype: Pollyanna is relentlessly hopeful, chirpy and optimistic, some would say nauseatingly so. She plays a game with everyone she meets that revolves around finding "something to be glad about." No matter what the circumstance, Pollyanna dons her cheerful thinking cap, ponders the situation and – voila! – pronounces a reason to be happy.

Pollyanna initially irritates people with her game but eventually wins them over and brings joy into many dreary lives. (And to do it justice, I must add that I discovered why this classic, which I'd never read as a child, is a classic. There's more to Pollyanna than a thoughtless optimism. Her cheerful game eventually boomerangs back at her, saving her from giving up on life in despair. But I digress.)

Before watching this production, I was among those who belittled a "Pollyanna" attitude for being simple-minded fluff. But as a mom I've found myself going back to it again and again.

Sometimes the daily grind of motherhood cooking, errands, cleaning, baths and bedtime leaves us drained. We occasionally start to wonder if what we're doing has significance or lasting importance. We wonder if anyone notices our efforts or appreciates the sweat and love we pour into our work. We know that no one is paying us for it. Perhaps we wonder what there is to be glad about.

I thought of this the other night as I was rocking my extremely cranky, extraordinarily tired and somewhat wired (I'll never use that cold medicine again) 2-year-old. There was no choice about what to do with my time that evening – my child needed me, and I was at her disposal. We rocked, we walked, we sat and cuddled. I sang, I cooed, I whispered her name. I stroked her hair and as I, too, became exhausted, I asked myself: "What is there to be glad about?"

Surprisingly, a number of things sprang to mind:

• I was so glad it was just a cold and nothing more serious.
• I was glad for my sweet husband and his much-needed assistance.
• I was glad I didn't have to be anywhere before 11 a.m. the next morning.
• I was glad for that extra cup of coffee I'd had earlier.
• I was glad that – after multiple miscarriages – we had this miracle child at all.

Want to see more?

• Reflections on Motherhood
• Are You New? When Does Mom Have to Relinquish the Title?
• Talk about it!