To all the mothers and mother-figures raising other people up, we see you and thank you for all you do, on Mother’s Day and every day.
When my youngest was born, I had three little ones under the age of five. It was a beautiful but overwhelming time. The days passed in a blur of playing whac-a-mole to get everyone enough food, sleep and attention to survive and thrive. And though the day-to-day details shifted from diapers and sippy cups to backpacks and sports equipment, and then cars and college applications, the crazy but fulfilling ride of raising children continues. Moments of love and joy and fun mixed with moments of frustration and exhaustion and every emotion in between. But through it all, to be able to witness and foster the growth of my children into the thoughtful and kind young people they have become remains one of the greatest joys and privileges of my life.
Whether you parent babies who grew in your own belly, or love and care for those birthed by someone else, your impact on the world is profound. We all question at some point whether we are doing or being enough. But when you strive to do your best – whatever that means for you – to love, support and nurture those around you, you are the shining example of dedication and human connection we need right now.
So to those in the thick of the terrible twos (or threes) who wonder how they will manage their emotions through another tantrum, we see you. To those who are excited when their child goes off to kindergarten, and to those who are scared to put them on the bus, we see you. We celebrate with you the fleeting moments when you are able to find joy amidst the chaos, when your little humans amaze you with their funny words and endearing ways.
To those who long for their happy and cooperative elementary kiddo when facing the defiant teenager in front of them, we see you. To those who are terrified by the risky choices of their high school and college students, we see you, too. We weather the storm with you as you try to see past the rough exteriors to discover the incredible personalities blooming inside.
To those who don’t see your kids as much as you’d like because you’re working two jobs to put food on the table, we see you. To those who feel guilty when you’re at work because you’re not with your kids, but also feel guilty when you’re at home because your work isn’t getting done, we see you, too. You may have to focus on quality of time over quantity, and get creative with how you interact, but you’ll be ok.
To the teachers and coaches and mentors (and therapists and doctors and youth leaders) who take the baton and guide our kids every day in ways we cannot, we see you and are forever grateful. To the grandparents who parent their grandkids when their grown children cannot, we see you, too. Your special bonds with our young people make such a meaningful difference for us all.
To those who span the generations to care for an older mother or mother-figure in your life, we see you. Your devotion to those who raised you or supported others in their younger years brings the cycle of love full circle.
To those who carry the loss of a child, mother or mentor with you everywhere you go, we see you and are deeply sorry for your grief. The lasting impact of people we lose continues in how we hold their memory and use what they taught us as we live our own lives. May they be a guiding light and source of motivation for your actions to better those around you in their honor.
We celebrate all of you this Mother’s Day! Your love and light make this world a better place.
