No words could ever fully describe what it means to be a Mom. It’s such an all-encompassing vocation.
Nurturer. Teacher. Maid. Disciplinarian. Cheerleader. Personal Chef. Janitor. Finance Manager. Art Director. Storyteller. Bodyguard. Taxi Driver. Judge. Potty Trainer. Wardrobe Stylist. Hugger. Therapist. Housekeeper. Lifeguard. Life-giver.
I never fully understood the depth of my own Mom’s love for me until I had a baby of my own. Experiencing that unconditional love firsthand, and knowing that nothing would ever challenge the distances I would go for that child, I was then able to finally grasp an understanding of this bond. My Mom felt it for me (and still does), and I feel it for my own children. It really is a bond unlike anything else.
I had a blessed childhood. Full of love and full of fun, my memories of my youth are joyful, and I know that so much of this has to do with my Mom – a woman of boundless energy and a positive, upbeat outlook on the world. My Mom was loving, organized, athletic, and tender, with a love of the outdoors, adventure, and fun. I couldn’t comprehend it as a child, but it’s now clear that the planning, hard work, and orchestration that went into each and every day of my upbringing was a product of her love. I was merely the benefactor of this childhood goodness, and for this I am grateful every day.
I hope I am just like my Mom in so many ways.
My husband Justin also had a blessed childhood. Never wanting for love, fun, or adventure, his Mom was consistent, loving, and truly a mastermind – raising five children of her own. She had the ability to let things go easily, always knew how to find her own peace in the chaos, and how to have fun with her kids. Justin is who he is today because he was raised by her to be an independent, smart, compassionate, and resourceful man, and for that I am forever grateful.
I hope I am just like my mother-in-law in so many ways.
Along my own mothering journey, one of the greatest blessings is the unconditional love that continues to flow from these two beautiful women in my life. Just as they loved and continue to love me and Justin, so too, they love our kids. And they love them in a way that is truly extraordinary.
My mom, and my mother-in-law, care for my kids. They worry about them. They support them, hug them, champion them, and cheer lead for them. They wouldn’t miss a special recital, an important sporting event, or a Birthday. They mend clothing, spoil them, read with them, and play games with them. They care for them when we are out of town, or when we just need a breather. They have fun with them, discipline them when necessary, and always, always tell them how much they love them. My children are so lucky to have them, and so are we.
Happy Mother’s Day to our moms, and to all of the other moms out there sharing unconditional love with their families every day.
