From the moment a child is born, a mother becomes an anchor, offering wisdom, safety and lessons their offspring will carry with them forever, and eventually pass down to their own children.
Mothers juggle careers, manage households, provide emotional support and sacrifice personal ambitions to ensure the well-being of their families. Sunday, May 11, is an opportunity to reflect on that quiet power and give it the attention it deserves.
Mother's Day should also be a reminder to support policies that empower mothers (accessible child care, affordable health care and workplace flexibility) and advocate for the women who do so much for us with little recognition. Moms will always be years ahead of their children in experience and knowledge. That resource is well worth nourishing, protecting and remembering.
Every second Sunday in May, we pause to honour the women in our lives who support us unconditionally. We are who we are because of them.
Some lucky moms may be treated to a day off, while, for others, it will be business as usual. Many will be taken out to dinner, lunch or breakfast, or maybe all three. Many more will receive flowers, phone calls and presents as children scramble to show their appreciation of their moms. Others will be doing double duty: arranging a treat for their own mothers while expressing appreciation for what their children have prepared for them.
Beyond the cards and flowers, Mother’s Day is about recognizing the strength and love that define motherhood, including roles as career consultant, caregiver, cook, life coach, personal driver, relationship adviser, sibling arbitrator, teacher and home-based therapist.
While family gatherings are joyous occasions, Mother’s Day can be a painful reminder for people who have lost their maternal parent, or wish they could be a mother. A compassionate celebration means acknowledging those experiences, too.
Many mothers work outside the home and many others raise their children alone, but the basics stay the same. Moms are the ones who love us the best and have put up with us through all the changes in our lives.
A mom's job is fraught with pitfalls and never easy. On Sunday, however, all the hard work, difficulties and conundrums should be forgotten as mothers put their feet up, take a deep breath and soak up the glory of the one day of the year set aside for them.
What are you doing for, or in honour of, your mom this weekend?
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