A Mother’s Day Realization

It is 8 am Friday morning—Mother’s Day weekend—and I have already cried two times.

Don't worry, they have been happy-sappy tears. (My 8^th graders will not know what to do with me ha). I’m not crying happy-sappy tears because it is finally Friday or because I have my comfy jeans on or because this evening I get to see my husband. These happy-sappy tears are flowing this morning because of love and support. The over abundance of love and support that Emery and I are so lucky to have.

Let me back up.

This is officially my first Mother’s Day (although I am pretty sure having a teeny baby in my belly last year totally counted) and I am feeling different than I thought I would. I honestly expected to be all excited for myself. I thought I would have this “It is Mother’s Day and I am a Mom…this day is alllll about ME!” type of feeling. I figured I would have spent my week days dreaming of ways I was going to get pampered this weekend or maybe of things I thought I deserved. Me, Me, Me. But none of this happened. Weird.

Finally this morning (after dropping Em off at the babysitter and the second cry I think) I realized that Mother’s Day is not actually a Me day at all. Mother’s Day is not a Me day at all because I cannot do it all by myself. Yes I am Emery’s Mommy (the greatest job in the world) but her and I would not be making it if it wasn’t for the love and support of others. So many people in our lives fit the description of a Mother. So many people help us out and perform acts of a Mother daily. They love us, support us, teach us, comfort us. I am the lucky one—I get to be Emery’s Mommy and be “Mothered” by some amazing people along the way.

That got me thinking. What the heck is a “Mother” really?

This week I busied myself making Mother’s Day crafts for Em’s four grandmas and babysitter (because you are crazy if you do not think that the bond between a great babysitter and child is not as important as a child and mother). I wanted everything to be perfect for them and I wanted them to know how much they are appreciated. It didn’t even cross my mind to make myself anything from Emery. I didn’t capture those little hand prints for myself.  I didn’t day dream about my perfect first Mother’s day gift like I thought I would. Nope--I spent my time thinking of others. And there it is folks.

 I realized this morning that I had just come up with the true definition of a Mother. A Mother puts others before them. Always. A Mother lies awake worrying all night instead of sleeping even though she is exhausted. A Mother makes sure everyone is fed and full before even thinking about her own growling stomach. A Mother comforts and prays that she can take any pain away that you have. A Mother spends the night crafting and goes to work still covered in paint the next morning (yes, my fingernails and elbow might need some attention) so that her daughter has a special craft to give those other Mothers in her life. I realize now that my Mom and Grandmas (and Aunt and cousins and teachers and friends) are  true “Mothers” and have been effortlessly acting in this role for as long as I can remember. So many in my life fit the short definition of putting others before themselves and I am guessing if you think about it, many people in your life fit this description too.  

So as I was wrapping up the final projects this morning, tying pink bows and tiptoeing around while baby girl slept, I smiled and had my first cry of the morning. After reflecting on the Mothers in my life and the Mothers who shower Emery with love I realized that maybe-- just maybe-- I am just starting to fit that Mother description. I know I am just getting started in this whole motherhood journey. I did not know I could love a person or “job” so much. I am so blessed to have so much help and support. Beyond blessed.

 Ok…. so maybe in a way Mother’s day is my day—my day to reflect on how blessed I am to be a Mother and to have so many great Mothers helping me and inspiring me every day. Cry number three starts right about now…..cue the happy-sappy tears!

Happy Mother’s Day weekend! Go give everyone who has ever been a “Mother” to you a hug and a kiss! You will probably need the whole weekend to do this ha!