Instead I enjoy a quiet morning of reflection on the nature of motherhood and all the amazing mothers and women that I know. Not only am I blessed to have my own mother still providing her steadfast love and support, there are some strong, smart, sassy women here who are like mothers to me and have let Declan and I enjoy being members of their extended family. I treasure them dearly for being here for me when my mother is so many miles away.
When I look around, I find myself surrounded by friends who are wonderful mothers, from those whose children have been Declan's friends for years to those whose experience I treasure because their children are now adults. I see former childhood friends and classmates who are now mothers sharing their children's accomplishments and celebrating those bonds. It's a joy. And my friends have some pretty incredible mothers too. I am constantly impressed by the women who have shaped these amazing people that I know.
Today is our day. We who have learned to put the happiness of others before our own, who kiss the boo-boos and want to right the wrongs, who love through the good and the bad, the terrific and the terrible. We who endure the tantrums and words that cut to the quick because we know they are the same children who can melt our hearts when their hand creeps unexpectedly into ours or they surprise us with a quick kiss for no reason at all. Nothing will ever be too much for us to take. There will never be too great a burden for us to shoulder for them. We love them unconditionally, every single moment of every single day. They are our world and we are happy to be their sun.
My life changed profoundly when I became a mother. I discovered my true purpose. I had no idea. It still amazes me that I have been given such a valuable gift with such an awesome responsibility. I spend every day trying to get it right and hoping that I'm not too far off the mark.
So, this afternoon I am going to hug my son tight and tell him how happy I am that I am his mom. We're going to go listen to some bands play at the park with friends that include some of those terrific mamas that I know. I'm going to surround him with love, music, laughter, and friends...because that, I think, is how to teach him what is truly important.
The best quote I've seen today: "There is no way to be a perfect mother, just a million ways to be a good one."
Now, my fellow mothers, go celebrate you!
