On Mother’s Day.

May 9

Today I am thinking of the Mom’s who are here who shouldn’t be and those who aren’t and should be.

I think of the daughters and sons who have said goodbye to their mom too early, or even at just the right time, and are living in the loss of it.

I am thinking of the moms who have lost; publicly and privately. For those who see children who aren’t here when they look around their tables.

I am thinking of the women who long to be called mom and have suffered silently with an empty womb.

In my heart are the Mamas who have stepped in and mothered babies who aren’t from their bodies. The foster moms, or mentor moms, nurturers who see the needs of children around them and show them love.

And the single moms who scrape to make it every day, who carry the burden alone of raising their babies. Who have fought to have them and fight every day to provide for them.

For the moms mothering through trauma, who do the hard work every day to not pass it on to their children. To those who feel alone and unseen, today I am thinking of you.

I am thinking of the dads who do both dad and mom. Taking on a role of both parents to their children.

I am thinking of the young mom who wakes up every day to little pats too early, asking for breakfast and books and snuggles. The tired mom who loves her life more than she can say and simultaneously dreams of a day when it is different.

And of the moms who have been at it awhile, sending their children into the world wondering if they did enough. If they taught the right things. If they will be OK. The moms aching for adult children, for missing them or hurting for them.

Because once a mom, always a mom, whether your child lived a short time in your womb or arms or life or is now well into adulthood. When we “mother” as a teacher, mentor, traditional or untraditional mom, we leave pieces of ourselves in the world; hidden in the lives of others.

So Happy Mother’s day friends, to each of you, because each of you and how you have given is making this world a better place to live.

Thank you.