As a physician and as a parent, I find myself reaching out to my mother several times a week, seeking her wisdom on everything from “How can I tell if this chicken is still fresh?” to “Should I really wash this delicate top by hand or can I risk it in the washing machine?” It’s fascinating how, even years later, she seems to possess an uncanny ability to locate lost items, a skill that often feels like a generational gift passed down to me. Now, as a mother myself, I fully appreciate the relentless role of the “Ultimate Finder of All Things.” Just the other day, I spent close to an hour looking for my son’s favorite toy. That’s an hour I’ll never get back!
My journey with my mother has mirrored the typical progression of many mother-daughter relationships. I started as her enthusiastic helper during bike rides and Christmas preparations. In my more challenging preteen years, she ensured my sports uniforms were clean, while I invited friends over unannounced, pushing her budget to the limit. During my teenage years, I often grumbled about her rules, yet I secretly relished her unwavering support. It wasn’t until college that I truly understood how much I missed her comforting meals and laundry services. In my 20s, she became my strongest advocate, shopping companion, and even helped plan my wedding. Now, as a wife and mother in my mid-30s, I lean on her advice and support more than ever.
Over the past seven years, I’ve made countless urgent calls that have prompted her to jump in her car and rush over to help. When my son had an accident that left him with a nasty cut, I was on the phone with her, desperately waiting for her guidance on whether we needed to head to the emergency room. She didn’t hesitate to assist, even taking my daughter away from the chaos to keep her calm. A year earlier, she rushed over when my daughter managed to injure herself in the pantry—proof that my kids have a flair for the dramatic, and I might be a tad squeamish about blood.
Even during my youngest’s arrival, my mom was the first call I made when the doctor mentioned my baby might need to go to the ICU. Without hesitation, she returned to the hospital, ready to comfort both me and my newborn. That calming presence is a treasure. She even stocks up on Band-Aids to remedy various scrapes, both real and imagined, and delivers treats to my children when they’re under the weather.
It wasn’t until I became a mother that I realized the sheer effort involved in the role. I used to think my mom was simply dull for wanting to go to bed early, but now I understand how drained she must have felt after a full day of work, chores, and parenting. Her day started long before mine, and she has maintained this routine for decades, especially with my youngest sibling still in high school. Now I know that moms don’t get sick days since laundry doesn’t fold itself and kids have an insatiable appetite.
The influence of a mother is profound. Her mannerisms become ingrained in our own, and her phrases often slip out of our mouths without a second thought. I often find myself telling my children I want to “squeeze their guts out,” a phrase my husband once found alarming until I clarified that it means I love them immensely.
A mother is a guiding light and a source of stability. She plays many roles: confidante, critic, champion, and advisor. She can mend broken hearts with retail therapy or ease boredom with favorite TV shows and homemade snacks. A mother sews prom dresses, celebrates birthdays with your favorite cake, and knows your secrets, always providing love unconditionally. Over the years, she wipes away tears—hers and yours—as she navigates the complexities of motherhood.
Today, as I reflect on my blessings, I want to express my gratitude to all mothers who put their children’s needs above their own. Thank you for late nights spent assisting with homework and early mornings preparing breakfast. Thank you for balancing professional life with parenting duties. Your sacrifices don’t go unnoticed. Special recognition goes to single mothers who shoulder the weight of both parental roles with such grace—it’s truly inspiring. To those who embrace motherhood through marriage or adoption, your love transcends blood ties. And to mothers watching over us from above, your absence is felt deeply, but we cherish your guidance in our hearts.
A heartfelt thank you to my own mom for setting the bar high and for loving my children as if they were her own. I even forgive her for indulging them with sweets before sending them back home—a little karmic justice, perhaps!
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In summary, a mother’s influence is immeasurable, shaping us in ways we may not fully realize until we step into her shoes. She is a constant source of love, wisdom, and support, a beacon through the storms of life.