For those who "Mother"

Mother's day is here, and it got me thinking about all the people who epitomize motherhood, but are not "birth" mothers, and I realized that being a mother is so much more than having given birth. Come to think about it, some of the most amazing moms and mother figures fall into a beautiful, diverse mosaic of inspired souls who have lovingly taken on the role. For me, to mother means to do our best to love, nurture, guide, protect, inspire, and empower another.

Being a mother does not come with a manual, and although it is blessed with many beautiful rewards, they come as we make mistakes, grow as we go, and come to appreciate the poetic nature of the role. It is a journey filled with tenderness, tears, tough decisions and reciprocal teaching. It is about listening, having tremendous patience, and learning to be present for someone else. It is an emotional roller coaster ride that brings great highs and lows as we experience our deepest joys, fears, hopes, and faith. When we are really fortunate, it can be about creating a powerful connection in which we love, and are loved, unconditionally. I feel very grateful to be blessed with experiencing this beautiful bond with my daughters.

Being a mother for some may begin with giving birth, but for many, it does not. At its core, it is about loving and nurturing the light in someone else.

So this Mother's Day, no matter the circumstance of your "mothering," you are to be commended. Thank you for  bravely opening your heart and sharing your love. I don't think there is anything more important you could be doing, for I don't know of anyone, at any age, who is not transformed by love ... especially a mother's love, for it is woven in in to the fabric of our hearts forever.

So for all of you who "mother,"

Happy Mother's Day!

With tremendous love and gratitude for my own mother, and all those who have knowingly and unknowingly "mothered" me.

P Bowman 

Gifts of Light ... Saying Goodbye to our Mothers

 

How do we say goodbye to our mothers...

If we are wise, we won't,

we will grieve deeply,

and over time, come to peace

with the depth of what we've lost,

and, all that we have gained...

we will long for the unconditional love we took for granted,

and with time, feel it's reassuring warmth again...

we will count our blessings

for the courage and strength we

learned through example

for the sacrifices selflessly made,

and the amazing resilience that was gift wrapped in smiles,

We will honor the lessons learned,

 smile when her words

randomly pop into our heads,

and savor the bittersweet memories that bring us joy,

We won't say goodbye, we'll move forward,

we'll honor her memory with pride,

knowing that she will always be 

 an integral part of who we are,

 a gift of light 

 we will carry in our hearts forever...

A friend of mine recently lost her mother, and although I never met her mom, I enjoyed hearing stories about her and had come to admire her, for like most mothers, she exuded extraordinary strength, courage and resilience. I know what it is like to lose a mother and I have felt the weight of many of my friend's losses, as my own echoed back in my heart. This poem is a tribute to all the mothers who have passed on, and to all of us who are left behind, longing for one more moment, while so very grateful for all the ones we were blessed with.  

love and light,

penny bowman