To the Mother...

Motherhood comes in all shapes, sizes, and forms. It doesn't come to us always when we want it to come. It doesn't always look like we thought it would look. There is no recipe to be a perfect mother, but most days, we all do good (yes, I meant to say that). So....

To the mother who was never able to hold their baby, whether through miscarriage, failed IVF, still-birth, or unforeseen circumstances, my heart breaks for you. Words will never replace holding your child. But today, you are being prayed for and thought about. One day, I pray everything is restored back to you. I pray your heart finds peace on this day. If you need to cry, cry. If you need to mourn, mourn. It is OK to be sad. It is OK to be mad.

To the mother longing to be a mother, I pray for you. Not being able to have your dreams fulfilled just yet, my heart knows not. But I pray for you. I pray that miracles happen, whether medically, happenstance, or through unconventional ways. I pray your next year looks beautifully different than this year. That you have to change poopy diapers at 3 AM. Or even comfort a foster child you are choosing to love.

To the mother who is not the conventional "mom," I commend you. Whether you are a "bonus" mom, a grandma or aunt raising your families children, or just a friend who loves your friends kids like your own. It is hard enough to raise children you carried, but to choose to raise someone's children with love, kindness, patience, and a whole lot of stressful moments. You rock!

To the mother who has lost a child later in life. I have seen your pain first hand. No mother should have to bury their child. No mother should have to know this grief. But I pray that the memories you made will comfort you on this day. That you are able to find joy and comfort in pictures and funny stories.

To the mothers doing it alone. You are superwoman! Whether you are a military spouse or a single-mom, you amaze me! To do what most could not, to be mother and father, to carry more than you should. You amaze me! Rest, relax, and enjoy your kiddos this day.

To the mother who is neck-deep in motherhood. Be gracious to yourself. There is no tried and true handbook; we fail, we screw-up, and sometimes we even suck (gasp). But if your kids are loved, fed, and mostly clean, call it a good day. Your value does not like in all the doings, but rather the beings you are raising.

To my own mother. Life has not treated you kindly all the time, I see and know that. You lost your baby boy, something I could never wish on my worst enemy. You could have given up, but you didn't. Each day, you try more and more. Thank you for raising Timothy and I to be kind, to love, to be generous, and to even craft. I remember mac-n-cheese with chopped up hot dogs, the best Christmas' as a kid, all the clothes you made Tim and I, all the movies you edited, the days of prep to school us, and more. Thank you for loving the grands, making sure they have everything they need, and then some. I honor you today! Keep on keeping on! You are stronger than you know. You are loved.

To my mum-in-law. You are wonderful! Thank you for raising a wonderful son and father to your grands. Thank you for knowing when to let him fall, and knowing when to pick him up. Sometimes I think you wonder if you did right by your children, you did more than you will ever know. Never, ever doubt that! Your son has told me all the times you were the first awake and the last to sleep. Thank you for loving us and always checking on us. We love you!

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY! I honor you! I commend you!