Mother's Day was a little different for me this year, and I was kind of dreading it. There's so much hype about pampering mothers on Mother's Day and I knew it wasn't going to be a day of pampering. I worked the night before and was only going to get about 3 hours of sleep, and then I would be "mom" for the rest of the day.
But I discovered that the pampering isn't what makes Mother's Day so special. This year the magic of Mother's Day was in the realization of what a blessing it is to be mom to my kids. Being a mother is hard, it's the most selfless thing I've ever done - and not always with a smile on my face and sunshine in my heart. Sometimes it's exhausting. Sometimes it's frustrating. Sometimes it's overwhelming. But all of that sacrifice is such a small part of being a mom even though it seems to take up so much of my time. And honestly, these days, it's been so prominent in my focus and I have often felt spread so thin, that there have been times when it's easy to lose sight of the bigger picture of what it means to be a mom.
We spent Mother's Day with my family and my mom and all three of my godmothers were there (Yes, I have not one, but three godmothers - that's what happens when you're the youngest and the only girl!). And as I watched them I could see pieces of me in all of them. I could see my roots in these remarkable women and felt honored to have been born of them, nurtured and formed in their love and care.
And I could see pieces of me in my own children. That's the stuff. Not the rest of it - all the busyness and hustle and bustle, laundry, lunches, school, dance, Tae Kwon Do... I don't want to discount that, it's all important - but this Mother's Day I was so struck by this idea of legacy and oneness. The idea that I am a result of the influence of generations of remarkable women and that my children are too. How humbling to be included in such a sacred circle.
It was as if you could see the common threads that bind us all together; different strands weaving their way in and out of our souls creating a beautiful tapestry. And I was proud to be their mother, and grateful for the opportunity to continue the legacy. I marveled at how each of my kids have taken these pieces of me, my mother, my godmothers, and made them their own. Henry is playful, sweet and kind, and full of grace. Grace is strong and tough, a leader in her own right, and smart as all get out. Lauren is quiet, introspective and loving, and carefree in her innocence. They are products of the best and worst in us, and they are beautiful.
For me, this Mother's Day was about carrying the title of "Mother" with pride and reverence. It's what I do these days, it's who I am; and I am so blessed.
But I discovered that the pampering isn't what makes Mother's Day so special. This year the magic of Mother's Day was in the realization of what a blessing it is to be mom to my kids. Being a mother is hard, it's the most selfless thing I've ever done - and not always with a smile on my face and sunshine in my heart. Sometimes it's exhausting. Sometimes it's frustrating. Sometimes it's overwhelming. But all of that sacrifice is such a small part of being a mom even though it seems to take up so much of my time. And honestly, these days, it's been so prominent in my focus and I have often felt spread so thin, that there have been times when it's easy to lose sight of the bigger picture of what it means to be a mom.
We spent Mother's Day with my family and my mom and all three of my godmothers were there (Yes, I have not one, but three godmothers - that's what happens when you're the youngest and the only girl!). And as I watched them I could see pieces of me in all of them. I could see my roots in these remarkable women and felt honored to have been born of them, nurtured and formed in their love and care.
 |
| My mom and my Godmothers - Paula, Tita Pet, Tita Chit, and Tita Don |
And I could see pieces of me in my own children. That's the stuff. Not the rest of it - all the busyness and hustle and bustle, laundry, lunches, school, dance, Tae Kwon Do... I don't want to discount that, it's all important - but this Mother's Day I was so struck by this idea of legacy and oneness. The idea that I am a result of the influence of generations of remarkable women and that my children are too. How humbling to be included in such a sacred circle.
It was as if you could see the common threads that bind us all together; different strands weaving their way in and out of our souls creating a beautiful tapestry. And I was proud to be their mother, and grateful for the opportunity to continue the legacy. I marveled at how each of my kids have taken these pieces of me, my mother, my godmothers, and made them their own. Henry is playful, sweet and kind, and full of grace. Grace is strong and tough, a leader in her own right, and smart as all get out. Lauren is quiet, introspective and loving, and carefree in her innocence. They are products of the best and worst in us, and they are beautiful.
For me, this Mother's Day was about carrying the title of "Mother" with pride and reverence. It's what I do these days, it's who I am; and I am so blessed.
 |
| Me and my brood - Henry, Grace, and Lauren |
Comments
Post a Comment