Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day, in my opinion, is much more than an occasion to celebrate the women who raised us. I’m a subscriber to the belief that it takes a village to raise a child, and I believe that Mother’s Day offers each of us the opportunity to honor all of the women—many who chose to parent, and many who did not—who lived in our respective villages and helped to shape the people we have become.

This Sunday, I will be planting flowers. It has become a Mother’s Day ritual in my family. I always sent my mom a plant on Mother’s Day, and my own daughters have adopted this tradition. Each year, I look forward to spending time digging in the dirt, arranging beautiful flowers in my assorted pots. Because my mom passed a year ago, I know that this Mother’s Day will be different-- but my heart and thoughts will be with her. Even when I was a very young girl, my mom worked hard to let me know that I could be anything that I wanted to be. She encouraged my creativity and taught me that hard work would pay off. Looking back, I realize that the space she gave me to grow, explore and ask questions—as well as the freedom to make mistakes—is what gave me the confidence I needed to stand on my own two feet and make decisions about what I truly wanted to do with my life.  I have tried to instill the same philosophy in my own daughters, and I’ve always encouraged them to find their passions, follow their dreams, and give back to their communities. I’m so proud of my girls, and grateful to feel this connection with them as well as the many other women that have come into my life. 

Happy Mother’s Day to you, and to the women that inspire you, as well. Who—and how-- will you be celebrating this year?