As most of you know I lost my mom almost 2 years ago. She died too young and I miss her terribly. She was one of my best friends and the #1 inspiration and guide to me as a mother. I especially feel her loss around Mother's Day when everyone else is planning spa days or brunch or tea with their moms. At this time of the year advertisers are shouting these celebratory messages for all to hear. Avoiding it is impossible.
So, this year I am making an effort to make a Mother's Day shift. In my own quiet way I will honour my own mom but this year I also want to recognize all of the other women who have made an impact on me as a mom. This year I would like to celebrate The Sisterhood of Motherhood and extend Mother's Day beyond recognizing our own moms (and being recognized by our children) out to the greater village of support it takes to be happy and successful as a mother.
Here is my list:
1. My sisters. I am one of three girls and my sisters are my greatest support and my #1 sounding board. Even before losing my mom I went to them often for an ear to listen or a shoulder to cry on. I trust them, am inspired by them and admire them as mothers.
2. My sister-in-law. I think she would be surprised by this for a couple of reasons a) her son is a grown man and b) we don't spend a ton of time together. But over the last few years we have gotten to know each other a lot better and found that we share a similar philosophy on life and family. Plus, she loves my kids.
3. My friends. I am lucky enough to have many wonderful women in my life. Most of them are fellow moms and most of them are a critical sounding board. I find that having friends who have kids of a similar age helps to put things in perspective and they are often the people I turn to for advice on dealing with issues or challenges as my kids grown.
4. My UrbanMoms Friends. I get tons of advice and support from the UrbanMoms community. My fellow writers at UrbanMoms and moms across Canada who read and comment. What an amazing gift it is to be able to reach out to women who I would never normally have the opportunity to meet for support.
5. My Online Friends. I have a vast network of friends online mostly through twitter. Some people believe that social media attempts to replace real-life relationships but I believe it actually facilitates them. I have met so many amazing women who continue to help me along this ever-changing parenting journey. Where else can you network with thousands of moms every day?!
So, thank you to everyone who has inspired, supported and helped to guide me. This Mother's Day let's celebrate The Sisterhood of Motherhood!
Do you have someone who you would like to celebrate? Please tell us about her in the comments below.
:o) Right back at you my friend!
xo, friend. Keep on swimming!
That's a beautiful photo of the two of you.
I would like to celebrate my own mother. I've learned so much from her and she is so supportive of me. Watching her take care of my sister when she was sick was humbling. She is a good mother. I'm singing the song "Good Mother" in my head right now.
I love this Jen - and I'm going to do the Mother's Day shift right along with you. It's time. That picture of you guys is lovely.
Jen I am so sorry for this loss. I can only imagine how hard it must be - especially in spring when things are blooming and mother's day looms.
I am thankful for you and the sharing of your knowledge- it is wonderful to be a part of and contribute creatively to this community you created.
I am thankful for true and supportive friends. They help me be the best version of myself. I am really lucky. And they see me the way I want to be seen.
Happy mother's day to you Jen-xn
I hate Mother's Day. They are everywhere - happy, laughing mother-daughter duos, brunching, lunching, holding bouquets of bright flowers and celebrating motherhood, grandmotherhood, the precious bond they share which grows with time. A part of my life that was so integral and joy-giving is gone. I hide on Mother's day and wait for it to end.
Reading this is inspiring - I admire you for being able to embrace other 'mother' aspects in your life. I hope I can one day do the same.
Wonderful Jen.
Growing up, Mother's Day was never a big deal in our house. Now that I'm a mom, my kids get excited about it and want to make it a big deal, but that never quite happens. But I am surrounded by a lot of wonderful, inspiring mothers, and I raise a glass to them all.