What makes a woman a mother?
Is it the woman that gave birth to you? The woman who raised you? The woman who took you under her wings? The woman who treats you as their own? The woman who picked you up when you were down? Or is it the woman who stepped as a second mom?
Growing up, my biological mother wasn’t around much. However, my grandma, or to me, Nanny raised me and took me under her wings. Then there are my close friends whose mothers treat me like their own. Finally, I have women in both my present and past who have poured in me and continues to pour in me.
Single mothers,
There’s nothing I respect more than you. The fight you have. The strength you have. The patience you gain. The balance you learn. And most importantly, the love you give. I know raising kids on your own was never the plan, but you did and so effortlessly at that. The pain, struggle, and fight you often edured or endure I know is unimangiable. The pride you have had to set aside to get what you needed, was the biggest pill you’d ever have to swallow. I can’t imagine the countless times you cried yourself to sleep or the countless times you had to be the bigger person to someone who didn’t deserve it or a situation that deserved everything but. I want to let you know that I’m impressed and I see you.
Committed/Marrried Mothers,
Just because you have that other half, it doesn’t always make it easier. Five days out the week, you’re pulling a 12hr plus shift. It starts at 6am, if not earlier because you have to get the babies to school. You work your regular 9 to 5pm, come home, cook, clean, and not to mention the practices and games you may have to attend. Even when that’s all said and done, your partner still wants to be taken care of. When and how you find time for yourself, I don’t know. My hats are off to you because I commend you.
Young Mothers,
Having a kid before you lived life isn’t what you planned, but here we are. I know people talked. I know people had doubts, as well as you. I know you wanted to give up. I know sometimes you may have lacked support, finances, food, shelter, and then some. You have a standing ovation and flowers tossed at your feet as you still; walk the stage for your diploma and degree, as you sign the lease for the apartment or contract for that new bought house, as you sign that contract for the business you started, and as you finally kick your feet up because your kids made it. You did it. You’re still doing it. Those babies are proud of you. I’m proud of you!
To My Friends and Family That Are Mothers,
I have no idea where to even start. With you, I can be personal because I know your stories. To see you go from living your best life to motherhood has been a sight to see. I know your days aren’t easy, but you have and are doing the damn thing. I am sooo proud of you. I am lucky to be a part of my nieces’ and nephews’ lives. They don’t know it now, but they have the best mother anyone could ask for. And until they can say it theirselves, thank you! I thank you because you’re in the process of raising the world’s next big thing. I love you!!
To My Other Mommies,
Thank you! For letting me in your homes. For accepting me as your own. For feeding me a good home cooked meal. For checking on me. For being someone I can call on. For giving my grandparents a break when they needed it. For pushing me. For believing in me. For pouring into me. Finally, for raising the person that I call a friend, cousin, brother, and sister. They have each changed my life in one way or another. I don’t think there’s enough thank yous in the world. I love you!!!
I personally, don’t have kids but as you can see I have encountered every kind of mother there is. The strength I get from just knowing them and having crossed paths with them is unexplainable.
Happy Mother’s Day to all the women out there. You are appreciated. You are loved!
Drop your Mother’s Day pic.
#stillRising
#stillRising 