What Mother's Day Means to Me

Nowadays, there’s a holiday for everything, from waffles to best friends, bubble wrap, and pets...you name it, there’s a holiday for it (click here for a list of the weirdest holidays in 2021). However, one of the most deserved holidays is Mother’s Day.

Too often, we take mothers for granted. Honestly, they should get a holiday just for the number of diapers they have to change, but think about all of the other things they do! Moms (in my experience) are constantly thinking of others, looking for ways to help, and praying for the safety and success of their loved ones. They keep busy packing lunches, listening to our problems, and preparing the BEST home cooked dinners. Not to mention, think of what we put them through growing up! Whether it’s that time you stayed out later than you were supposed to, didn’t tell your parents, and came home to your mom overcome with worry about whether you were okay, or the time that you felt embarrassed that she dropped you off at school and lingered a little too long, or even just how we often look past the fact that even though you might have disagreed with some of the things she did or said, she was always trying her best. Moms are humans after all (crazy, I know). 

Too often, these things go unnoticed, unrecognized, and underappreciated. I know that I, for one, have been a culprit of this far too often. When you really take the time, you might start to notice the little (and big) things she’s done for you.

One of the biggest things that I love about Mother’s Day is not only celebrating the woman who raised me, but celebrating all of the women that helped me along the way. When I think of Mother’s Day, I think of my grandma, who has always been such a shining example and has always shown me unconditional love. I think of my high school English teacher (/basketball coach, guidance counselor, and student government & adventure club supervisor) who impacted me and who I’ve become more than she’ll ever know. I think of coaches, neighbors, bosses...all of which provided guidance, love, and support. They all shaped me into the person that I am today, and I can never thank them enough. 

Going along with that last thought, I also want to stress that you don’t have to have children of your own to be appreciated as a mother! Some of the people that I celebrate on Mother’s Day don’t have any children, but they provided me with motherly support nonetheless. 

I, personally, am SO grateful for the support that I’ve had in my life...for the one who encouraged and supported me when I moved to a new school and didn’t know where I fit in, for the one who calmed me down when I was in tears over a tough time with softball, for the one who pushed me to have confidence and become all that I can. I am so grateful that I have a mom who has always pushed me to be my best and who is so generous with her time, kindness, and baked goods. Moms are such a blessing! I hope that everyone has someone in their life who they can go to for motherly support, and I encourage you to think of all these women and use Mother’s Day as an opportunity to let them know how appreciated they are.