Reflecting on the mother who brought me into this world, I am overwhelmed with a mix of nostalgia and admiration. She passed away in 2017 having lived a full life to the age of 92, leaving behind a legacy of warmth, resilience, and maternal devotion that continues to guide me. The sacrifices she made are immeasurable, often placing the needs of her children above her own, ensuring we were equipped to face the world with kindness and compassion.
Throughout the years, she exhibited a profound love that knew no bounds, tirelessly supporting our dreams and softly cushioning our setbacks. Each Mother’s Day, while she was still with us, was an opportunity to honor her and express our appreciation for every sacrifice noted and unnoticed.
Since her passing, Mother’s Day has taken on a different feel. It has become a day when I pour all that accumulated appreciation into celebrating the mother to my children. For the past 35 years, I have had the pleasure of witnessing firsthand the spirit and courage of a woman who mirrors my own mother's dedication and love.
Celebrating my wife on Mother’s Day, although differently than I did my mom, is equally rich and meaningful. The context of our celebrations may be different, but the essence of honoring simple, unwavering maternal love remains unchanged. She has not only been a partner in life but a co-architect in building our family's foundation. She bears the “battle scars” of motherhood with grace—each one from the Caesarian sections a mark of the pain endured for the creation of our family. And, like many mothers, she has battled personal challenges, like the struggle with weight post-pregnancy, which she faced while continuing to place our children's needs at the forefront of her life.
This tireless dedication meant making countless sacrifices to ensure they had everything they needed, from the essentials to the extras that nourish their spirit. Her days often stretched thin, layered with the complex issues of motherhood—from being an emotional anchor and a wise counselor to managing the endless logistics inherent in raising children. Through it all, she has shown incredible strength and a deep well of compassion that not only nurtured our children but also inspired them.
In our celebrations, we focus on making her feel as special and loved as she has made each of us feel over the years. Whether it's through heartfelt letters penned by our children, preparing a favorite meal, or a simple, quiet day spent surrounded by family, we try to tailor each Mother’s Day to reflect the gratitude and love we feel.
It’s a day filled with reflection on what she has given up for the sake of family and the ways she has kept our shared spirits high even on the toughest days. I look at her and see the reflection of all the beautiful qualities that endeared me to her from the beginning—her strength, her generosity, and her unyielding support.
As I celebrate her, I am also reminded of the full-circle nature of life and love. Our children, now witnessing how I honor their mother, are learning the importance of appreciation, of recognizing the often silent and unseen labors of love that define parenthood. This circle of life, love, and acknowledgment is what I hope they carry forward when they, too, become parents.
On this Mother’s Day, as we make plans to show our appreciation for her once again, I am deeply aware of the sacred continuity of parenting and partnership. I am reminded that in these celebrations are the stories and the strength passed down through generations. It is more than just a day on the calendar; it is a moment of acknowledgment and reverence for the women who have shaped, and continue to shape, our lives in the most fundamental ways.
To all mothers, those with us and those who watch over us, your love forms the backbone of who we are. And to my wife, you are the heartbeat of our home, the unwavering force of nature that keeps us all grounded yet constantly reaching for more. This Mother’s Day, and every day, you are celebrated.
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