Can you believe that this Sunday is Mother’s Day? Having kids of our own can really show us just how fast time goes. When we watch our kids go off to school on their bikes we wonder what happened to the little ones in diapers who needed us every minute of the day.
And when they drive off to high school or college on their own—oh man, don’t even get me started on those waves of emotion. When my daughter left home I felt everything from immense pride to fear and everything in between. And of course love. Lots and lots of love.
A good friend of mine sent me the following email last night, and for me, this really touches upon so many of the emotions involved in being a mom. This was the type of email that I am supposed to send on to other moms who I know (and I will), so if you like what you see, please click here to pass it along.
“Before I was a Mom,
I never tripped over toys
or forgot words to a lullaby.
I didn't worry whether or not
my plants were poisonous.
I never thought about immunizations.
Before I was a Mom,
I had never been puked on.
Pooped on.
Chewed on.
Peed on.
I had complete control of my mind
and my thoughts.
I slept all night.
Before I was a Mom,
I never held down a screaming child
so doctors could do tests.
Or give shots.
I never looked into teary eyes and cried.
I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin.
I never sat up late hours at night
watching a baby sleep.
Before I was a Mom,
I never held a sleeping baby just because
I didn't want to put her down.
I never felt my heart break into a million pieces
when I couldn't stop the hurt.
I never knew that something so small
could affect my life so much.
I never knew that I could love someone so much.
I never knew I would love being a Mom.
Before I was a Mom,
I didn't know the feeling of
having my heart outside my body..
I didn't know how special it could feel
to feed a hungry baby.
I didn't know that bond
between a mother and her child.
I didn't know that something so small
could make me feel so important and happy.
Before I was a Mom,
I had never gotten up in the middle of the night
every 10 minutes to make sure all was okay.
I had never known the warmth,
the joy,
the love,
the heartache,
the wonderment
or the satisfaction of being a Mom.
I didn't know I was capable of feeling so much,
before I was a Mom.”
Happy Mother’s Day to all moms out there, and also to all of the women who might not have biological children of their own but who are important to the life of a child. May you all be cherished and loved not only this Sunday but every day of the year as well. I would love to know what your mom has meant to you and how you plan to honor her this year. You can share your story by clicking here.
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Add a Comment5 Comments
With regard to Mother's Day, I consider myself doubly fortunate. While I spent a short amount of time in an orphanage and foster care, I was adopted when I was less than a year old and raised by a loving adoptive mother and family. While life wasn't always easy, my mother instilled in me a spirit of independence and always encouraged me to follow my passions.
When I was in my early 30s, fate presented the opportunity for me to meet my birth mother and ... I'm glad took it. I consider my birth mother a wonderful woman who had to make a difficult decision at a young age and after having met her, I have never doubted her intent.
Both of these women have contributed much to my life and I know I am better for having known them. Thank you to the both of you and a very Happy Mother's Day.
May 10, 2009 - 6:13pmThis Comment
I am lucky to have many mother figures in my life, including an amazing grandmother.
If it wasn't for my grandmother, I may have not graduated from college or had a child. Her support in so many ways helped my dreams to become reality. She showed me what love really meant and her blunt honesty is a trait she sometimes apologizes for but has helped me on many an occasion. Her courage and ability to persevere through all types of life battles with strength and humor inspire me every day of my life. Truthfully, no words of description can do her justice. She is someone who deserves the best Mother's Day possible, and all my love goes out to her today.
May 10, 2009 - 1:45pmThis Comment
Thank you so much Anonymous posters for your lovely comments! I love that poem too and it never fails to make me tear up. I hope everyone has a great Mother's Day tomorrow! Big hugs, Michelle
May 9, 2009 - 11:48pmThis Comment
Thank you for posting the poem, Michelle. It's so beautiful and true. I'm going to share it with my friends, my aunts and my mom. I also want to share EmpowHer. What better gift can I give those special women in my life?
Happy Mother's Day to all Mothers!!!
SG
May 8, 2009 - 9:28pmThis Comment
What an insightful and powerful poem! There are two special people in my life that I will be forwarding this to. One is my amazing mother and the other is my amazing grandmother. They have been my foundation for everything that I have become today! Happy Mother's Day to mine and all of yours! Love you MAMA!
ME
May 8, 2009 - 9:22pmThis Comment