I’ve always loved Mother’s Day. It’s the one day every year specifically dedicated to supporting the women who’ve supported us through our whole lives.
As I’ve gotten older, I’ve gained a deeper appreciation for all the sacrifices that mothers make to support and provide for their children. Growing up, I didn’t realize how much my mom did for me.
I had two working parents and grew up in a community of stay-at-home moms who could pick their kids up from school, get super involved in extracurriculars, and make breakfast and after-school snacks every day. For years, I was so jealous of the kids who had that seemingly perfect family life. Even though my mom worked, however, she still did everything she could to stay involved in my life. She coached my soccer teams, volunteered to chaperone school trips, read all the books and watched all the movies and tv shows I was interested in, spent time with me and my friends, and still worked a full-time job.
It took years to recognize that she did all of that for me, and I never showed her the appreciation she deserved.
During COVID, my mom and I became so much closer, and I began to recognize all the incredible things she’s done for me throughout my life. I began calling her whenever I just wanted to talk, and I started getting to know her as a person, not just as my mom. She’s the most empathetic, compassionate person I know. Whenever I need to vent or need advice, she always knows what to say to make me feel better. She never judges me for making mistakes, and she supports me in all my decisions. On Inauguration Day, she called me as Vice President Kamala Harris was being sworn into office because she wanted to share that historic moment with her daughter. We can laugh together, cry together, gossip, and reminisce.
I’m at a point in my life, at 24-years-old, where I want to be close with my parents. I cherish the moments we have together, and I respect and appreciate all that they’ve done for me. I am so grateful to have parents who love me unconditionally, who dealt with everything I put them through as a teenager, and who want to be a part of my life.
This week, in honor of Mother’s Day, I’m focusing on expressing my gratitude for my mom and for all the women in my life who’ve helped shape me into the person I am today. I’m lucky enough to have an incredible mother of my own, two amazing grandmothers who helped raise me and teach me how to love and care for others, and my partner’s mother and grandmother who have both welcomed me into their family with open arms.
I’ve been guilty of taking these inspiring women for granted, of not recognizing everything they’ve sacrificed and everything they’ve given me, my brothers, my family, and my partner. I’ve been privileged enough to never know what it’s like to not have a strong mother or mother figure in my life, and for that, I am grateful. Being a mother is a selfless job and one that does not often get the recognition it deserves, so I would like to take a moment to thank every single mother in my life. I respect you, I love you, and I thank you.
As always, stay safe + stay healthy.
Xo,
Kayla W.