We recognize motherhood as the state of becoming a mother. A mother is defined as a female parent, a woman who has given birth and provides life to their child. However, we all know that this role entails so much more than that…
A mother is the only person that carries you in your belly for 9 months, 3 years in her arms, and forever in her heart. Before you ever had a name, she loved you. Before you ever took your first breath, she protected you. Before the world knew you, she believed in you. She stayed up when you were sick and prays for you in silence when you are struggling–even when you never tell her. Given the opportunity to become a mother is a gift, the highest calling, and a true blessing from God. This role holds the greatest responsibility: to guide your child with wisdom, to nurture, and to provide unconditional love.
To the woman that gave me life. I am grateful for the fun memories from my childhood. 90’s country music and Tom Petty will forever make me think of our car rides or how we would dance around the house. You are an amazing cook and I appreciate all that you taught me from baking tips on how to make pie crust from scratch to your secret tips on how to make mashed potatoes extra whipped. Thank you for encouraging me to get educated and become financially successful. You definitely helped shape me in becoming the strong and independent woman I am. You’ve had some hard times later in life and it made us not always close, but I am very proud of your strength and how you have fought to be where you are right now! I love you, Mom.
To my Grandma, we have always been so close. We had a very special connection. I feel like you understood me on a deeper level. You were the matriarch of the family–a true feminine woman who embodied grace and such deep genuine love for her family. As I step in my backyard and see my overgrown rose bushes, I think of you and the amazing gardener you were. I cherish all of our conversations, memories, and countless laughs. Until I see you again, I will love you for forever.
To my bonus mom who helped raise me, Mo (or Nique as I used to call you as a little girl). Thank you for providing a childhood that showed me what it means to be a family. Thanks for making me a big sister with giving life to little Kerry. I will always be grateful for your drive to center our family around God (even when us ‘kids’ didn’t feel like getting up and going to church every Sunday). As an adult, I am especially grateful for our relationship now. Even still you provide me with so much honesty, realness, support, and love. Thank you for your continued prayers and always rooting for me. P.S. Sorry for cutting your face off in the first pic (I love this pic though— it shows how much I adored you at such a young age). I love you!
Also sending love this Mother’s Day to all:
- Mother’s that have lost children
- Those that have lost their mother
- Those that are longing to be mother’s
- Mother’s who are grieving
- Those who parent alone
- Those who mother in ways that the world may not recognize
Don’t get too busy for the woman who made your life possible. Give her a hug, thank her, wish her a Happy Mother’s Day, and tell her you love her. If your mother is still alive, don’t wait– tomorrow is never promised! 🩷