My heart aches for those who hurt on Mother's Day. Those who never knew their mother - whether because she died while they were very young or because she left as soon as they were born. Those whose mothers were anything but the ideal mom. Those who had mothers who abused them, tortured them, ridiculed them, or left them to die in unspeakable places. Those who had mothers who didn't know how to love unconditionally. Those who finally realized the dream of being a mother, only to never get the chance to hold their baby in their arms because of a miscarriage. Those who made the decision to abort a child and can feel the burden of that baby around their hearts as they silently make note of each "would have been" milestone. Those who were unable to care for a child they conceived and lovingly gave them away to be adopted - only to feel empty arms each year as everyone around them celebrates "mom's special day." Those who have longed for years to have a child but have been unable to conceive.
My heart also soars with thanksgiving for another group... those who became "Mom" to one of those kids who didn't have a mother to call their own - or who had a mother who didn't know how to be a mom. Those women - aunts, grandmothers, sisters, cousins, friends' mothers, camp counselors, Girl Scout leaders, church leaders, teachers, neighbors and more - who CHOSE to be a mothering figure in a child's life, by loving unconditionally, guiding with discipline, encouraging through tough times, celebrating through joyous times, and simply walking beside the child each and every day - just as if he or she was their own flesh and blood. Those who helped that child break the cycles of abuse, neglect, abandonment and despair, and instead become great moms (or dads) themselves. Those who reach out to new mothers and build them up, teaching them how to be wonderful moms and mentors to other children in need of a mom. These women are the heroes of Mother's Day and deserve so much appreciation and respect.
If you are blessed to be a mother, say thank you to God for that gift, and then take the time to also thank those who helped you become a "mom" instead of just a mother. Take time to reach out to other new mothers out there and encourage them on their path to being a great "mom". Whether you are a mother yourself or not, you can still be a "mom" to a child in your life who desperately needs that role model and friend. Trust me, those kids will forever view you as "mom" - whether you gave birth to them or not.
I would just like to publicly thank the other "moms" in MY life - you know who you are. God knows who you are too, and what you've done, and He will surely bless you abundantly for giving so much of yourselves over the years. Thank you for being there, for never giving up on me, for caring enough to discipline me when needed, for loving me no matter what, and for helping me transition from mother to "mom". It's my prayer that one day my children will come to you and say thank you too. You deserve it. More than anyone else could ever know.
Any woman can be a mother. It takes more than flesh and blood to be a mom.
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