Mother's Day is the perfect time to take a walk down memory lane. Whether you're a new parent still learning how to balance everything or have been parenting for years, there are special moments in time that define what motherhood means to you.
Motherhood looks different for everyone. Some are moms of children who were born to them, some are moms to children who came to them through marriage or adoption, some are moms to angel babies. We each have our own story of motherhood.
As I walk down the memory lane of motherhood, so many moments stand out in my mind. Here are a few of my motherhood memories.
For me, motherhood began way before I was a mom. The parent each woman becomes is shaped and molded by the women in our lives. The generations of love that came before me helped define my own mothering style: my Mom, Grandma and Great-Grandma.
The day I brought my first child home was a defining motherhood moment for me. Being home meant no more nurse to call in the night if the baby needed something. Motherhood is the best 24/7 job you'll ever love.
A fear some moms have is that they won't love their second child as much as their first child. It's truly amazing to discover that a second child doesn't divide your love; instead, your love is multiplied.
The birth of our third child meant that the kids now outnumbered the parents. Our baby boy had three moms: me and his two older sisters.
Single parenting can be difficult and thankless at times. Making happy memories was an important way for me to redefine the new reality of my single parent family.
When two single parent families join forces, old rules and traditions aren't always the same. Some traditions remain and others change as new traditions are created with the merging of the families.
Two children came into my life and heart when I married my husband. I love them dearly as I do the three children to whom I gave birth.
There are many defining moments in my adult life, including our children's graduations and marriages. The birth of our first grandchild is a memory I'll always treasure.
Just as a mom's heart expands to love a second child, so does a grandma's heart. Our first grandson was 7 years old when his cousin was born.
Our first granddaughter will always hold a special place in my heart. Her older brother is her best friend, but can also annoy her the way nobody else can. Sibling rivalry is a normal part of family life, but it can be hard for parents not to pick sides when siblings squabble. My Mom always let me and my siblings us work out our differences.
Through the years, our children have blessed us with many more grandchildren, each so precious to us! What a wonderful journey this life has been.
In the blink of an eye, babies become toddlers; toddlers go to school; school-age kids become teens; and teens become adults. As children grow, the relationship between parent and child changes into a mentoring friendship to cherish.
Sometimes it's hard to see the big picture as you deal with the demands of parenting. Long days with too many things to do and not enough time eventually give way to an empty nest. Embrace this day, this moment, where you are right now in your parenting journey. The joy of motherhood is the best gift I've ever received.
Happy Mother's Day to all moms and all those who mentor children! You are true superheroes!
