This is once again the time of year that we celebrate Mother’s Day, when children of all ages honor their mothers and show them how special she is to them. I will acknowledge this can also be a very painful time for women who have tried to conceive and have been unable to do so. There are many children who have been abandoned by their moms as well as others who have felt the pain and fear of abuse. Still others have lost a child they so dearly wanted. My heart aches for all of these women and pray for their peace and healing as they struggle with this holiday each year. |
This past week, I asked my daughters what they remembered about me as children. Their answers differed a bit as with most children who see their parents through their own lens. My youngest daughter remembered that I made sure their birthdays; prom and graduations were special for them. She also shared a memory that had completely escaped me and now makes me smile. She said that by letting her picket one of my final decisions, with a stick and sign as she marched through the kitchen, gave her a voice for which she was grateful. My oldest daughter said that she remembered me to be strong, supportive and rational. However she stepped from the long ago past to the present and described how I am still her mom but now we have become friends as well. While not all of our time together has been without conflict, I am so grateful to be considered their mom and their friend! Even though my mom celebrates each Mother’s Day in heaven, I believe she is very proud of her baby girl, me, and happy that I have raised two very strong, courageous and loving daughters. Happy Mother’ Day Mom!!