— Mother Theresa

These days in our country and elsewhere, especially for women, there is the problem of juggling personal and professional responsibilities. The big question is, “Shall I be a stay-at-home mom or pursue a career?”

Mothers try to always have love and time for each of their children. When a child says, “Mommy, I think you are wonderful,” that is leaving a great legacy.

In the United States and elsewhere, many hard-working families depend on two incomes to put food on the table and pay for health care, education and all other needs. Having one stay-at-home parent belongs to bygone days.

Today, according to reports, 60 percent of married households have two parents in the workforce. Nearly a third of households are headed by single parents, most of whom are mothers. Women do most of the care work.

However, it seems men are becoming more nurturing and sharing the care. Without family nearby, husband and wife struggle to find care for young children or a new infant. (Lucky are the ones who can depend on grandparents willing to help.) Women give up careers because of family demands.

Also, the working world is not completely designed to accommodate women. That makes it difficult for women working in the labor force. A report by the U.S. Census Bureau found more than 1 out 5 American women chose to quit their jobs after giving birth.

Thousands of female employees feel they have to choose between a fulfilling career, financial security and caring for a newborn child. Paid help is beyond the reach of women working in minimum-wage jobs. Many women have nowhere to leave small children while fathers are absent in the military.

There is a vital need for affordable daycare for mothers parenting alone and for poor single mothers. Businesses, organizations and entrepreneurs are starting businesses that address women’s needs, not to mention growing the economy and creating jobs.

Moving on … there is a growing force for progress in the arts, allowing human beings to enjoy the deeper forms of beauty. The Kennebunk Free Library has announced its July exhibition, “The Maine I Love.” The library is pleased to present the works of talented artist Stella Sherman, who has been drawing and painting since early childhood. A graduate of the University of Maine, Sherman earned a bachelor’s degree in studio art.

“The Maine I Love” includes works in oils, acrylic and watercolor paintings, and pen and ink, pencil and charcoal drawings. The show will be up for the month of July.

There is also another kind of beauty in our state – Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in Boothbay. The York County Retired Educators Association Travel Committee has planned a trip to experience the beauty of the gardens on July 26. The cost of the trip is $55 per person, which includes transportation, admission to the gardens and the driver’s tip. For more information, call Marie Maguire at 499-7401 or Sheila Painchaud at 282- 1795.

Don’t forget the St. Demetrios Greek Festival, 186 Bradley St. (Route 5) in Saco. We are there this weekend, and look forward to serving you.

— Zaffie Hadiaris of Saco is the host of “Zaffie,” a weekly television talk show on Channel 3 Biddeford public access. It can also be seen at biddefordmaine.org. Contact Hadiaris at zhadiaris@hotmail.com.