Happy Mother’s Day: Here’s to you, Mom. I Couldn’t Do it Without You.

1

Since I became a mom, I’m finding that I need my mother now more than ever, and the meaning behind celebrating Mother’s Day has come to be that much sweeter.  Happy Mother's Day graphic

Let’s face it, aside from being one of the most rewarding jobs a woman can have, being a mom can be downright dirty and exhausting. (I’m surprised Mike Rowe hasn’t hosted an episode on what it’s like to be a mom on the ever-popular TV series, Dirty Jobs!)

In fact, now that I’m a mom myself, the level of appreciation I have for my mother and her dedication to being the epitome of a super mom grows at the speed of light! This Mother’s Day, I will be thankful for having the best mom I could ever have. 

Allow me to rewind a little bit. Before I became a mom, I thought I had it all figured out… It’s true, I was once that non-parent who constantly felt the need to give unsolicited advice to new parents. (Turns out, the joke was on me and OH, how I’d like to go back in time and tell my non-parent self to zip my lips and keep my wonderful words of wisdom to myself!) Fast-forward to now, and here I am with one active toddler and another bundle of joy on the way. Everything about raising a child still seems unswervingly foreign to me. All the things I said I would or wouldn’t do when I became a parent hit the road faster than a getaway car involved in a bank robbery!computer, flowers, tea, typingDon’t get me wrong, technology these days is incredible. Between Google and YouTube, most moms feel like all of the answers to their concerning questions can be answered via the internet. I’d be lying if I said I never used the WebMD Symptom Checker to investigate a rash or watched a YouTube tutorial on swaddling techniques.

However, here’s where the real deal supersedes those online search engine results…

How many of you can relate to the difficulties of having to return to work after utilizing all of your PTO and sick time for maternity leave? I mean, it only took you forever to accrue that time, only to have no cushion now that you’re back to the grind. It gets even better, now that you’re back to work, your newborn enters daycare, gets sick and now requires an impromptu visit to the pediatrician’s office.

Enter Super Mom. My mom. The person I think of when I hear the word “mom.”

Unlike a search engine’s limited capabilities, my mother continues to graciously utilize her PTO and Sick Time to assist my husband and I with unplanned visits to the pediatrician’s office and even takes time off of work when daycare is closed. Not to mention she always makes special trips to my work or home to deliver care packages that include ginger ale, homemade soup, saltine crackers, tea, and honey on days where I have to muscle through being sick myself! 

mother and daughter, bride
Photo Credit: Natascha’s Photography

In addition to her time, I’ll admit that nobody, not even the Internet can give advice (even if it’s unsolicited) quite the way my own mother does. I know deep in my heart there’s a substantial amount of credibility behind the words and wisdom of the woman who raised me, who knows my past, who’s helped shape my future and who’s essentially already, “Been there and done that.”

My husband tends to joke with me from time to time and says I need to cut the cord; that my relationship with my mom is sometimes over the top. I subconsciously always have the same mental response…

That’ll never happen. In fact, I’mma get me some industrial strength rope, tie a bowline knot around my waist, attach it to my mom and Never Let Go, Jack!

Before I wrap up this sincere ode to my mom, I need to respectfully acknowledge how privileged I am to be able to have the relationship that I do with her. I count my lucky stars each and every day that she’s around to create all these special memories. I understand and applaud all you moms out there who were raised by single dads, or didn’t have the opportunity to bond with your mom in the same ways that I’ve been able to.

But in the spirit and glory of Mother’s Day, I ask you all to join me in celebrating yourself, along with all the other fabulous moms and mom-figures who have helped pave our ways to brighter futures. Here’s to you, Mom. 

Happy Mother’s Day.

1 COMMENT

  1. I’m probably not as well written as my daughter but here goes …. Being a mom is the toughest most rewarding experience I’ve ever had! Believe it or not Morgan I’ve learned as much if not more from you than you have from me! I’ve come to realize that parenting is a balancing act of letting go enough to let you grow but holding on enough to be a safety net and eventually coming to depend on you as much as you depend on me. I’m so incredibly proud of the person you’ve become. You still surprise me on a regular basis with your insight, strength and humility. Your girls are very lucky to have you as mom and I just know that they too will come to realize a beautiful relationship with you! I love you more than ever❤️

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here