Happy Mother’s Day

I’m not sure how many of you remember that I had a blog once upon a time. It’s been a very long time since I’ve posted anything but I’m back for Mother’s Day! Don’t get too excited. I don’t think this will become a regular thing again but never say never…

This is a personal poem I wrote mostly to myself but it’s also a shout out to all you amazing mothers out there. I hope you enjoy it and some of it lands with you. Have a great day everyone and thanks for following along.

From comforting in the night, to wiping boogers and butts, to tying shoes.

From taking good care of your kids and their imaginary friends,

To managing to get everyone out the door and feeling spent before your work day even begins.

To holding all the emotions- the worry, the joy, the guilt, and the pride.

To carrying their big feelings and putting yours aside.

From creating sweet memories and putting the magic in holidays.

To buying the clothes, presents, and planning activities to make memorable days.

To making the meals, signing the forms, and teaching lessons.

Potty training, ABC’s, counting, and answering all of the questions.

From teaching life lessons like sharing, being kind and polite, making mistakes, social skills, and inclusion.

The to-do list is endless on top of just trying to raise good humans.

But the rewards compare to nothing else. It is the simplest things.

Two siblings playing together in their imaginary world makes my heart sing.

The rewards for myself are nothing short of selfish.

I’ve learned the moments are fleeting but they are always something to cherish.

I’ve taken a hard look at myself and if I’ve missed something, my kids will probably tell me.

I have to slow down, come down to the present, and listen; to be the best I can be.

I want to be a great person for them and somehow they’ve become my greatest teachers.

Again, it’s simple. Stop and smell the dandelions. Fill your pockets with your favourite rocks. 

Laugh until your stomach hurts. Run through the grass without socks.

The learnings are endless. It takes practice and time.

But I slowly come out better and maybe they’ll learn it sooner in their lifetime.

I do all the self care to keep from losing my cool.

Journalling, exercise, friendships, gratitude are things I want to model, just naming a few.

I’ve already learned so much about my kids and myself. It’s just the beginning.

Of course I screw up everyday. The challenges and button pushers are unrelenting.

But that’s how we grow. Make mistakes, apologize, learn, move on, give yourself compassion.

Try to increase your patience and not lose your shit when they make the most illogical demands.

Mother’s Day is a mix of emotions.

Pride, happiness, gratitude, disappointment on missed expectations.

Sadness for those who have lost a child or their own Mom; and sadness for everyone with broken parent/child relationships.

We hurt for those who want to be a Mom but can’t; the ones who are trying; and love goes out to the single parents.

We want time with our kids and time alone.

Motherhood is the greatest paradox, don’t you know.

Look back on your journey. Celebrate how far you’ve come.

Be proud of your wins, acknowledge your losses, just dwell on the fun.

Even if you don’t get the flowers, cards or the phone call.

Know that you have and you are doing your best. It’s the hardest job of all.

You’re doing a good job. You’re worthy. You are enough. 

You are loved.  Your kids know that you’re made of the good stuff.

Happy Mother’s day to all the special women in mine and my kids’ lives- to our Mom friends, Grandma’s, Aunt’s, the Motherly figures, and the heavenly Mom’s. We’re so lucky to have you.