Mother's Day is a special day. It's when mothers are honored by their children and (hopefully) by the fathers of their children. It's when moms are treated like queens, get a break from the dishes and laundry for a day, get handmade gifts from their young children, flowers or a card from their older ones. Experiencing mother's day without one of my children to share it with me is always a bittersweet experience. It forces me to think that there are different facets of motherhood that I've experienced whether I wanted to or not. Things that many have strong opinions on and sometimes fuel the "mommy wars". For example, I've had three vaginal births as well as have had a c-section. I have also adopted a baby who was birthed by another woman. No matter how my babies entered the world, they are still mine. I have successfully breastfed four babies and have formula fed another. No matter how I fed my babies I have provided nourishment to them. I have experienced two of my children having surgery (one of which was major), a concussion, broken bones, countless fevers, rashes, illnesses and have spent numerous hours worrying, caring for, and comforting them. No matter what the ailment was, I tried my best to take away their discomfort. I have worked while raising my kids because I know I'm a better mom to them when I'm busy and enjoying what I do and know I don't have the patience or creativity to be a stay at home mom. No matter my decision to work versus stay at home I do what I do out of love for them. I have buried a child and helped my other children through their grief while trying to cope with my own. No matter if my children are here on earth or up in heaven, I love them with my whole heart and soul.
So this Mother's Day I think it's important to recognize all the different types of moms out there. There are women who long to be mothers but their bodies aren't cooperating with their dream, there are women who have lost angels before birth, there are women who have lost infants or children to long illnesses or to tragic events. There are elderly mothers who have had to bury their adult children before it was their time. There are women who are just trying to do their best - no matter if they decided to breast or bottle feed, work or stay at home, give their baby up for adoption to ensure their baby has a better life, have their baby naturally or via c-section, and the list goes on. My point is that ALL mothers deserve to be honored, cherished, and supported - not just by their children or spouses but by other mothers. We are all on our own scary journey - everyone's is a little different but we all have one common goal - to do what's best for our children. And that is something to be proud of.
Happy Mother's Day to all the wonderful moms out there!