For all the Mothers

Mother's Day is here and as the years go by, like so many others, I find myself appreciating my mother more and more. Every mother is unique in their own way, but the thread of motherhood is sown with humility, strength, grace and unconditional love.
My mother is no longer alive, but her legacy will forever enrich the lives she touched so deeply. I am honored to pay tribute to her and all the mothers who have, like artists, with their love and patience, and vision, helped to sculpt us from tiny infants into the people we are today. Like true artists, mothers seldom recognize their talents or the impact they have had. So for all the moms who underestimate their value, this is for you!

This is for the moms who:
 primarily see their imperfections and not their worth,
 put their children's needs first every day,
 smile even though they are tired, or in pain, or feeling down,
 listen with an open heart, and do not judge,
 go to bed exhausted because they have stayed up late doing something for their family,
 make the time to take their kids to hockey, ballet, soccer, skiing, and swimming etc.,
 patiently help their kids with their homework night after night,
 go to work every day and then come home and take care of their family
 make birthdays, graduations and Christmas into memories that will always be treasured,
 see the light in you, even when you cannot,
 make you feel capable and strong, especially when you think you have failed,
 tell you that you can do anything you set your mind to,
 do not realize it is ok that they are not perfect,
 make you feel loved and safe because you know there will always be someone who'll love you   unconditionally...
 long after they have passed, fill our hearts with love and strength and beautiful memories.


To all the moms, thank you for loving us into being...  Even though it may not always seem like it, the job you do every day has tremendous worth which can never really be measured, for each day, you are a role model for love in action. As a mom I understand the the impulse to criticize ourselves, we know how important our role is, which makes us painfully aware of our downfalls and mistakes. So thank you too, for helping us understand that it is our imperfections that often contribute to our unique and (hopefully) lovable nature. Thank you for teaching us that we are here to learn and are empowered and enriched not only by our successes, but by the gifts of our mistakes and imperfections.

Mom

It is not without

great pride,

 bittersweet tears,

 and heart smiles

that I remember you,

 With each passing year

I feel I love you better,

your resilience and strength

and unconditional love

are an integral part of me

as are your gifts of imperfection,

 gifts that I have come to lovingly embrace

as part of the wonderful legacy you left behind...

wish we had more time,

wish you had known,

loving thanks,

Penny