A New Perspective on Mother's Day

Mother's Day was a very special day growing up. My brothers, sister, and I loved making breakfast for my mom and surprising her with a card and gift. We enjoyed honoring her for all her hard work and love. It was uncomplicated and simple. Fast forward to this current Mother's Day and it is not that simple anymore. Growing into an adult with children has taught me that this day is so VERY hard and amazing at the same time. I was going to type out all my feelings on the subject but read this article today that summarized my heart perfectly. Before I post the rest I do want to honor six women today: To my two grandmothers, Moi and Nana (my namesakes), you were and are the most steadfast women I know. I could not have made it through the tough part of my childhood without you. You both paved the way for your grandkids to succeed in life. To Teresa/MiMi, your patience, support, and sacrificial heart is unmatched. I am so blessed that you raised Kyle...he is the best husband and dad due to your love and prayers. To Memaw, Kyle's grandmother, thank you for being such a supportive and classy lady:). To my mom, you are the most loyal person I know. Thank you for being such a loving mom and grandmother! Lastly to Cora's birthmother...there are no words that could do you justice. You are the bravest most courageous woman I know. I pray that you feel a peace knowing your little one is so loved by her American family. From the article and to all other women: "To those who gave birth this year to their first child—we celebrate with you. To those who lost a child this year – we mourn with you. To those who are in the trenches with little ones every day and wear the badge of food stains – we appreciate you. To those who experienced loss this year through miscarriage, failed adoptions, or running away—we mourn with you. To those who walk the hard path of infertility, fraught with pokes, prods, tears, and disappointment – we walk with you. Forgive us when we say foolish things. We don’t mean to make this harder than it is. To those who are foster moms, mentor moms, and spiritual moms – we need you. To those who have warm and close relationships with your children – we celebrate with you. To those who have disappointment, heart ache, and distance with your children – we sit with you. To those who lost their mothers this year – we grieve with you. To those who experienced abuse at the hands of your own mother – we acknowledge your experience. To those who lived through driving tests, medical tests, and the overall testing of motherhood – we are better for having you in our midst. To those who will have emptier nests in the upcoming year – we grieve and rejoice with you. And to those who are pregnant with new life, both expected and surprising –we anticipate with you. This Mother’s Day, we walk with you. Mothering is not for the faint of heart and we have real warriors in our midst. We remember you."