Mothers are extraordinary beings. I’ve never quite figured it out. Probably because I’m not one. I know that I want to be a mother one day, but the very idea of it has been known to send a shock of panic through me.
I used to just think about there being a baby that I had to care for, but then one day I started thinking about the fact that those little babies grow up, drive cars, date people, and eventually leave you to go to college. I had a major aversion to motherhood the day I had those thoughts. How could someone subject themselves to that kind of panic and lack of control over something else? How could someone afford another car payment and college tuition and then maybe even a wedding? How could someone give up a part of their heart like that? These women are crazy!
But if you think about it a little bit, they actually aren’t crazy. They are kind, giving, selfless, patient, believing, trusting, sacrificing, teaching, and loving. Mothers are superstars. Mothers are amazing. Mothers are inspiring.
I have a mother who loved me, trusted me (even when I betrayed that trust), disciplined me, taught me, gave up things (so many things) for me, was patient with me, prayed for me, and believed in me. She still does all of these things.
I have a mother-in-law who loves me, trusts me, teaches me, gives up things for me, prays for me, believes in me, heck, she’s probably even disciplined me!
I’m one of the lucky ones. Not everyone gets a good mother. Not everyone gets a mother at all. I’ve got two really great ones in my life. I’ve had more. So many mother figures in my life in the form of friends’ mothers, grandmothers, aunts, cousins, and coworkers. Each one has shaped me into the person that I am today. Each has influenced me, whether good or bad, and for that I’m grateful.
Dads can be mothers too. Sometimes life deals you that hand, and to those dads pulling double duty, Happy Mother’s Day to you, too.
There are even mothers out there who haven’t had their babies yet, but they know that they are mothers deep down. The ones that maybe are struggling to get their family to take shape. The ones who are waiting for that phone call or email that says to come get your baby. The ones who are just waiting for the right time because they know now isn’t it.
I’m amazed all the time at mothers. The things they can handle. The things they can get through. The things they can do. The way they cook. They way they clean. The way they can multitask. The way everything always seems to get done. But most importantly, while doing all of those things (and more), it’s the way they love that gets me the most.
Mothers are extraordinary beings.
Happy Mother’s Day to all.