To the mom who hasn't eaten a warm meal, taken a long hot shower, or curled her hair in years, you're beautiful. No, really! Do you realize how rare it is to be a witness to a woman who, day after day empties herself to love and nurture an innocent child? It is a beautiful sight- snot stained shirt and all. I know you are well aware that your children need you. (Since even now they're pulling at your shirt.) But please know the world needs you too. In a world of selfies and Instagram filters, the world desperately needs to see what real sacrificial love looks like. Keep shining, beautiful girl!
To the mom who is reading this while waiting for soccer practice to end so you can quickly get your other child to piano lessons. I know you're busy. Like, where's-my-IV-of-coffee-I've-got-places-to-go-and-things-to-do kinda busy. YOU ARE LOVED!! You are so much more than a taxi service. You may not be getting the snuggles before bed and the sweet handmade Mother's Day cards you once got, but they love you. Take a minute to let that soak in. Then go buy yourself some Mother's Day flowers. This mother's day may come and go without them even acknowledging it, but they love you still the same. Give them 10 more years and they might even admit it.
To the mom who wishes her kids would call a little more often, and visit a little longer. Who stills sleeps with her phone by her bed in case her adult "child" needs anything in the middle of the night. Whose heart still aches when she knows her child is hurting. Who still answers questions about how long to cook the pot roast and "how am I going to get through this"? Well done. I know it can be hard at times to not be so involved in their lives, but you have raised self sufficient, valuable members of society who are out living the lives you always hoped they'd live. Loving them well may look a little different today than it did when they were younger, but they still need you. They still need your love.
To the mom who is a temporary mom while a precious child waits for his/her biological mom to get her life healthy enough to raise her child. You are lionhearted. There is a deep rooted strength and confidence in you that is inspiring and amazing. To love wholeheartedly, amidst heartbreaking circumstances, whether it's for one day or a lifetime is a noble calling. You call us all up into more.
To the mom who has made the difficult decision to place her baby for adoption. You are courageous. A good mom is willing to make brave and difficult decisions for the betterment of her child. You, dear one, are a good momma.
To the mom who is waiting to bring her adopted baby from a far off country home. Whose efforts have been halted, dreams interrupted, time and time again. Don't lose heart! Can you imagine how undeniably loved your child must feel knowing that you have been waiting and praying and dreaming and fighting for them in the face of such great adversity over all this time? WOW!!! Your child is so loved. And your perseverance today is telling them that story.
To the mom who has held her baby in her heart, but never in her arms. Who never got to bring her baby home, even though her body was once her baby's only home. I'm so sorry. The reality of your loss is as real as the pain you feel. And though the tears may be shed in the privacy of your home, and the scars you bare may be invisible to the world, they are there and they are real. In your confusion and fear, know that you are not alone. Please hear me when I say, you are a good mom. This doesn't change that fact. Be kind to yourself as you grieve and heal. Tomorrow is a new day.
To the woman who rocks other momma's babies to sleep, goes to someone else's daughter's dance recitals and other friends' baby showers all with an ache that never goes away. You are seen. I know your heart longs to have the child you hold be your child. And to hear a child call out "mom" and know they're needing you. Keep loving well. Keep choosing joy. Because while you are waiting, you are nurturing and encouraging and mothering those children in a unique way. You hold an invaluable place in their lives. Don't ever underestimate your significance in this world and in their lives.
To the single mom whose level of weariness is surpassed only by her incredible, enduring love for her child. You are strong. You are capable. You can do this! And on the days when you just can't do it? Remember that although you ARE strong and capable, you are also human. Call a friend for help. Take a break. It's ok. You aren't weak or failing. You're a good mom, who happens to be like every other mom, human.
To the stay at home mom, the working mom, the mom who is trying to figure out how to navigate life without her own mother. To the hundreds of other types of moms whose Mother's Day this year may be less than ideal.
To my mother,
THANK YOU!
You all are the brave ones. And today we celebrate YOU!
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