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OPINION

There are precisely nine days until Mother’s Day — a holiday that tends to fade into the background and only requires last-minute preparations (because mom won’t get mad; it’s the thought that counts after all).

For one day, refrigerators are adorned with Popsicle stick decorations, sparkles and traces of glitter glue.

If mom is lucky, she might end up with some burnt pancakes and eggs for breakfast, or a well-deserved latte…maybe even a Mimosa if dad is on his game.

Everyone will tell mom what a great person she is, and how much she does for the family and how they couldn’t get anything done without her.

And then Mother’s Day will come to an end and everything will return to the status quo.

I’m here to remind you not to forget about ‘mom.’ 

I’ve had the pleasure of meeting some amazing women in my life — inspiring women, encouraging women and women who always put others before themselves.

But some of the most inspiriting (yes, it’s a real word) women I have met, are the moms.

Moms are superheroes without capes…unless they want to wear a cape.

Not only do they selflessly give up their bodies to house and nourish a growing baby, they spend long nights feeding, changing and cuddling.

And it’s not easy.

Moms tend to cuts and bruises and emotions outbursts.

They are the nanny, teacher, maid, scientist, interventionists and in many cases breadwinner (on top of all the others).

They hold hands, offer motivation and support and tell their children they are loved.

When the time comes, they see their babes off to school and feel the slight bursting of their hearts and aches in the pit of their stomachs as they have to let go a little bit.

But their jobs don’t end there…

They continue growing into their positions, adding seamstress, tutor, chaperone and coach to their repertoire.

A mom is her children’s best friend until something ‘better’ comes along. Then she graciously sits on the sidelines.

They run interference when needed and always have plenty of food (whether take out or homemade) to offer up for the slight chance of a few moments alone with their not-so-little babies.

They lie in bed awake at night, stressing over the future and they blame themselves for their children’s mistakes (including the ones their children haven’t made yet).

When their children make a mistake, they hold them close and remind them they are still loved.

They can tear up thinking about their children growing up and not needing them anymore (sometimes those are tears of joy).

Don’t forget about mom.

Sometimes ‘moms’ are an aunt, grandmother or family friend. Sometimes there is a Mr. Mom, fulfilling the role. And let’s not forget about all the step-parents out there caring for step-children.

Mother’s Day is a day to celebrate a strong, maternal figure in your life — whatever he or she might look like, because you will never really know all your mother has done for you.

— Becky Mann is a 30-something, red haired, mother of two, trying to navigate this life as best she can. She enjoys talking to people and discovering their stories. Still trying to balance her personal and professional life, she juggles work and play. In her spare time Becky can be found visiting with friends, spending time with her family and saving time by reading while walking. She knows there is so much more to come and is looking forward to the continued adventure.

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