Are you a Proud Mother this Mother’s day?

‘Such a simple question, but the answer is not as easy as it seems. Before I write anymore, I would like to take a moment to celebrate Mother’s Day with you all mothers out there. My head bows to all of you for who you are and your dedication to raising your family. You keep showing up despite your struggles, despite your countless sacrifices. I celebrate a mother’s eternal love, and I honor you for being the backbone of your family. 

All of you mothers are my shining stars.  

 

I have mixed joy and sadness as Mother’s Day comes around every year. Of course, I am incredibly proud of being a mother of three exceptional children, yet the celebration has a tinge of sadness as I mourn my Mother, who I lost years ago.

 

I became a mother before my eighteen birthday, and everyone around me was excited to meet their first grandchild or become my child’s aunt or uncle. But I wasn’t sure what to expect. I knew that a baby was growing inside me. I could feel the kicking as I watched my body explode! After long, painful hours of labor, I finally gave birth to my daughter.

 

I had my doubts as a mother!

 

When the nurse asked me if I would hold her, I turned my face away and asked the nurse to bring her later. I was afraid and doubted if I could care for her. I felt I wasn’t ready. A few hours later, the nurse brought my daughter to me so that I could breastfeed her. I held my tiny, beautiful baby in my arms, and as I took the first look at her face, my heart experienced a warmth like never before. 

 

There was a sense of instant bond, responsibility, and protectiveness as I held my baby.

 

This was the first time I felt what it means to be a mother. I never knew I had it in me! From that moment on, my life was all about my children. It became more than just feeling the love and the instant bond. It became about wondering how I could raise good human beings. How can I provide? How can I be there for them while dealing with my struggle as a young mom? When I became a single mom, my youngest was only seven years old, and I faced even more difficulties as I became her primary support system.  

 

My greatest regret: I never got to know my mom well. 

 

After all, she was a woman of few words! I never knew what emotions she held in her heart, what struggles she has been through, and what her thoughts were on life, love, and marriage. We never talked about those things. 

 

Regardless, there are not enough words to describe my love and respect for her. My mom was always busy growing up, and  I watched her complete one task after another. Her time to herself was early morning before anybody woke up. She would sit by herself with a cup of coffee and a cigarette. I remember when she would spend every morning before I left for school braiding my hair. Once she finished, she always left a small kiss on top of my head.  

Though miles apart, I knew my Mother loved me in her ways.

 

I was so young when I married and moved thousands of miles away. Even though we would talk on the phone, it was never more than a quick check-in. There were no deep conversations or exchanges of thoughts about life. She would always ask if I was ok, and I would tell her things were good. 

 

My Mother was a dedicated woman, not only to her family but to others. She walked a few miles a day back and forth for over twenty-five years, rain or shine. She was committed to her job as a nurse in refugee camps. She cared so much for others that she walked down the alleyways, stopping at each home to train new mothers about breastfeeding, ensuring they had enough food and got their baby’s vaccines on time. She was greeted with so much love and respect. She built relationships with people that lasted a lifetime. 

 

My Mother inspired me to build a strong and healthy relationship with my daughter. 

 

So, I spent plenty of quality time together with my daughter. I ensured no judgment was involved when we discussed life, love, and relationships. She tells me as it is, and I always try to be honest with her. You think it would be natural to have a strong connection, but that’s far from the truth. It takes work, trust, lots of listening, and holding back tears. I am blessed to have my daughter in my life. She is God’s best gift to all my children and me, but my daughter is my daughter! She got married a couple of years ago, and I am still waiting for her to become a mom and for me to become a grandma, God willing! 

Not all mothers are proud of what they did or who they are!

Unlike popular opinion, a child-mother bond is formed instantly; building something worthwhile with your children takes time and energy. I know I can’t go back in time and talk to my mom, but if I could, I would tell her my heart still feels the warmth of her love, tenderness, and kindness. She is my shining star, and there is nothing that I would have changed.

 

When I look above the sky at night, I know she will be proud to see her granddaughter and everything she has done to become the woman she is now. I would thank her for being my mom and tell her I am grateful to be her daughter.  

 

So, mothers out there- you are enough just how you are for your children!

As a mother, you don’t have to be a superhero who bakes the best cookies, packs the perfect lunch, or offers great advice. It’s ok to break down! What matters is that mothers pick themselves up and give the best for their children.

 

Mothers, grandmas, aunties, and stepmoms, pat yourselves on the back. Being a mother is the most challenging yet rewarding job on earth. There is nothing to compare it to. So take care of yourselves, and let’s celebrate all of the hard work we have done.

 

Don’t forget to check out my Mother’s favorite recipe.

 

In honor of Mother’s Day, I share my mom’s favorite meal, Cornish hens, with rice and lamb stuffing. I hope you try it and enjoy it as much as I did. This dish reminds me of many fond memories of growing up and spending time with my mom. Hopefully, it will give you the same warm and fuzzy feelings. 

 

Cheers!