The Random House dictionary describes Mother as a female parent, a woman in authority; one who gives origin to another. Although this may be the case, the woman, or women who own our hearts are comprised of so much more. Therefore, as Mother's Day approaches, I’d like to remind you, as I remind myself, that we should recognize any woman -- biological or otherwise -- who has embodied the characteristics of a mother in our lives. I am not saying that this woman doesn't occasionally cause us angst, with what we sometimes consider her harping and picking. I am not even suggesting that between us there aren't yet issues that need resolving. However, what I am saying is that we should try to see our precious mothers in a light that perhaps they are not often cast in. Let us see them as the women who did; are doing; and will do, what they know to do -- things that are usually for us, their beloveds. Then as I will below, in my ode to mothers everywhere, let us acknowledge them, in the best way that we know how.

M -

Is for Miracle, because that is what you are. Often your love can be like sunshine, surrounding and warming. Other times it may feel cloistering, smothering, but Mother, don’t feel bad, we understand. You, our miracle, are that way because you only want what you think is best, for us, your miracle.

O -

Is for Ovation, because that is what you deserve. For the nights you laid awake, wondering how you would pull it all together, to make ends meet; for the days that you held back tears and were instead strong and kept towing us along. Mother, our hearts overflow, with love...for you, because you never quit, you keep moving, you keep striving. In doing so, you have taught us one great lesson, that most any obstacle can be overcome!

T -

Is for Teaching. Mother, it is what you do, even when your children are grown, and have entered the world on their own. Mother, we'll never forget all that you have taught, or the fact that your task was great. We now understand, that never is it easy to raise well-rounded productive people, but somehow you managed and did just that. And for it, and for you, we are thankful.

H -

Is for Honor. Mother, you are to be heralded, honored for your heroics, and for your honesty, often when it was most needed. We love you for making holidays special, and for your unwavering belief that family should come first.

E -

Is for Everything - because that is what you gave, to make sure that we could and would make it. You sacrificed, so that we could one day succeed. Because of you, many of your children have become, and will become, prosperous productive members of the human race, and for that, we owe you…everything.

R -

Is for Respect. It is what you are due, that and so much more. For without your instruction, your counsel, your guidance, your love, and quite often your measures of discipline, where would we be?

For every Mom, Mama, Maw, Madre, Moeder, Mae, Mere, Maman, Mana, Aayi, Majka, Mami, Muter, Ma, Maji, Mother ... whether you have borne children, sought them, or they came to you – it does not matter how you wound up a mother, here’s wishing you and mothers-to-be everywhere, the loveliest of days. May you be blessed truly, each and every one!

Heartfelt,
~April