If you could capture your experience as a mother in a single word, what would it be?
Delightful, ever changing? While our journeys vary, we share much in common, as we recognize the challenges and rewards that come with raising a child.
The wonder years introduce us to a kind of love we might never have thought possible and we grow in many ways. While it may be tough to distill your experience into a single word, consider your journey and take a moment to celebrate this month. We’re right there with you. ~ Happy Mother’s Day
Flicker
Someone wise once said, “A candle loses nothing of its light when it lights another candle.” Almost 18 years ago, I lit a fresh wick. Together our flames have shone brightly. Though there have been flickers of darkness, our light has never died. Burning, I slowly drip and puddle. But in the tiniest moments — remembering the smell of her baby breath, a kitchen tutu dance party, the winning of a college scholarship — I see. One day, I will burn down to my wick. Extinguished. But the flame I shared so long ago will carry a bit of my light onward into the world.
Candice Baxter
teacher and mother of three
Heart
Being a single mother to a daughter, we are exceptionally close. Bridie is a sweet, kind, bright, curious, adventurous, loving girl. Losing my parents early in life, suffering with chronic depression, becoming divorced, all resulted in building emotional walls to avoid getting hurt. My 8-year-old has taught me to open my heart again. I didn’t know I was capable of loving anyone with such intensity. There is a Gaelic saying, ‘Tá mo chroí istigh ionat,’ meaning ‘My heart is within you.’ I can’t think of a better way to describe my experience as a mother.
Aisling Maki
writer/public relations specialist
and mother of one
Delight
Fifteen years ago, when my husband and I began dreaming of having children, what jollities of life did I imagine we’d offer? Regular family vacations, enrichment opportunities, a lavish living space — none of these have we managed to provide, yet my children are among the happiest people I know. The colorful burst of a new flower, a cozy snuggle on Friday night, a raucous laugh over a funny joke — these are the things my two girls and little boy remind me every day are the lasting delights of life.
Becky Forrester
homeschooler and mother of three
Fragile
Motherhood is a constant reminder of how fragile life is. An illness, an accident, a circumstance, a choice: A moment can change everything. I was blessed with seven children in 15 years, but losing my eighth baby to miscarriage made me realize I had taken motherhood for granted. I tiptoed through carrying three more babies to term, with four miscarriages in between. This summer, my fifth child will graduate high school after my third gets married. And while I relish watching each mature, being a mom has taught me this: Love is fragile. Life is fragile. I am fragile.
Margie Sims
writer and mother of 10
Challenging
I find it challenging to stay in the moment, but it’s important to put work away and play cars with my two boys, to delay dinner and dance. Our circumstances can be challenging, like managing food allergies, but the struggles provide knowledge and confidence. The most challenging times are when I need to release tiny hands as my children become more independent and need me less. But I welcome these challenges; they remind me life is meant to be experienced and enjoyed, and there’s nothing more I’d rather be than their mom.
Kelley Barnett
founder, Food Allergy Alliance of the Mid-South and mother of two
Gratifying
Being the mother of young mothers is very gratifying. I’ve watched my two daughters as they’ve transformed into strong, clear-thinking, fun, benevolent women. It’s gratifying to observe them as they raise my granddaughters to also be strong, benevolent, intelligent young ladies. Now, my girls get a glimpse of how gratifying the feeling of raising children can be. History does repeat itself.
Gaye Tidwell
national sales support and grandmother of eight
Fleeting
The days are long for mothers, but those years are so short. Since being a mother happens for just a brief time, give that little Eskimo kiss or do that dance in the car. Albeit brief, it is also great training for being a grand!
Linda Robinson,
retired nurse and proud grandmother of six
Actress
Being a mom often means being a good actress. Raising my son, I never want to let him know he’s made me cry, but it happens. I have often been afraid, whether driving in inclement weather or being in high places, but I never let my boy know. I never share how it breaks my heart every time he cries. I always put him first. And I would do it all over again.
Cheryl Eccard,
stay-at-home mother of one