Letter from the editor
With Mother’s Day upon us, all our attention is on the Moms in our lives. Given what Moms have endured in the last year, we should declare it Mother’s Month, rather than day! That’s what Mom’s Vibe columnist, Krystle J Bailey declared in our last issue. I absolutely agree. In fact, given all that mothers do, even in normal or pre-pandemic times, I think it’s a great idea!
When I think of Mother’s Day, of course, my own mom pops into my head first. But there is so much more. My own experiences as a mom, all of my mom friends, my husband’s mom and our grandmothers. It intrigues me how much my own perception of what it means to be a mom has changed over the years.
When I was young, I saw my Mom as the gatekeeper, the one who determined what I may or may not do. My mom kept me safe, provided everything I needed and guided my world. In the turbulent teen years, my mom was public enemy #1, well, maybe second, only to my dad who was constantly “ruining my life.” At least, that’s what I was thinking back then.
Sometime after college though, my mom morphed into a confidante, someone I could always trust and count on. A few years later, when my own children were born, I felt the biggest shift of all. I learned that no one will ever love me, and my children as much and as unconditionally as my mother. She was there with each birth, feeding twin babies at 2 am, changing diapers and folding laundry.
A mother’s love is special because it is so pure. There are no ulterior motives or rivalry. A mother has her child’s best interest at heart always, often sacrificing her own wants and needs. Moms are often viewed as the “safe person” for a child or teen to take out their frustrations on. Children also know that moms are quick to forgive. By the time a child is grown, his or her mom is usually their greatest cheerleader, best friend and safety net, all in one. My mom is all of that. I hope someday my own daughters will say that about me.
When things go wrong, you can count on mom to be there. When one of my children was diagnosed with autism, my mom was there every step of the way. She helped me navigate through doctor and therapist appointments and even school situations. And when I lost my son suddenly 14 months ago, my mom was there to pick me up off the floor.
Now in a strange reversal of roles, my mom has been struggling. She too faced the worst tragedy any mother can face, when my brother lost his battle with cancer this year. And most recently, she spent 3 months fighting for her life against Covid-19. Boy, am I thankful she pulled through that! I hope I was there for her as much as she has always been for me.
CS Lewis wrote “Isn’t it funny how day by day nothing changes, but when you look back everything is different.” We are often so busy with the details of our lives that we don’t notice the changes. My understanding and appreciation for my own mom has grown immensely throughout the seasons of our lives. The level of respect I have for all moms and especially for single moms and those facing extraordinary challenges is immense.
Wishing all the Moms, Grandmoms and Moms-to-be a very Happy Mother’s Day!
Peace & Love,
Cindy
