Mother’s day
I want to preface today's post by stating that not everyone wants to or can become a Mother, and I could argue for days about how we should never value a woman based on their ability or decision to carry a child and raise them. Being a mother, at least a good one, is the most self-sacrificing act on the planet. It is not for everyone, despite our biology. And as women, as humans, we shouldn't have this decision made for us by a room full of men who could never know what it's like.
My mother carried me in her belly. But I have a feeling that even if she hadn't, our connection would be just as strong. If our DNA weren't connected, our souls would still be deeply intertwined. I'm reminded of this each time that I pick up the phone to call her, and she answers, already feeling in her gut that I needed her precisely at that moment. She raised me to be powerful in my pursuit of what I want and deserve. She taught me to stand up for myself and what I believe in. She may not have attended bake sales, or been a part of the PTA as a single working mom, but she never did things for appearances anyways. She gave me all her time and energy where it really mattered. I share her passion for travel, fashion, and art, but she also allowed me to develop my own separate interests and still lets me talk her ear off about true crime mysteries and historic buildings while she nods her head. She has held me up during the darkest of times and hid her tears to wipe mine. I am who I am because of her.
The variety of dynamics and circumstances of a Mother's relationship with their children is vast, and often complicated. I know not everyone has what I have. I also know that today can be a painful day of loss for so many. I want to acknowledge that some have lost their mothers and would give anything to have them here today. There are some Mothers that society may not recognize because her babies never made it to this world and are now angels in heaven. Other mothers met their children through marriage and still gave all they had to help raise them and fill them with love ( thank you. Adriana, I am forever thankful that fate brought us together).
Whether they created our lives or came into them, today is a day to celebrate all the Mothers that have given their hearts to heal our wounds, fill our cups, raise our chins, and guide us through the storms of life. Thank you. You are the salt of the earth, the air so we can breathe.
