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Wearing a Courageous Mask: A Mother’s Resilience
by Jessica R. Hargrove
Oct. 4, 2023
As mothers, it’s important to don our courageous masks, especially in today’s world. I vividly remember the tragic events of 1999 when two young boys entered a Colorado high school and took the lives of 13 students. At that time, I was cradling my 1-year-old son, overwhelmed with the thought, How will I ever let him go? Ultimately, I did. I masked my fears and began the journey of letting him explore the world.
That’s simply what mothers do.
On September 11, 2001, with two little ones under the age of three, I found myself paralyzed in my kitchen, tears streaming as I watched the horrific news unfold. My heart ached as I looked down at my kids clinging to my legs, wondering what kind of world I had brought them into. Once again, I put my brave mask on.
It’s just part of motherhood.
In 2012, when tragedy struck an elementary school in Connecticut, 26 innocent lives were lost. I had a first-grader at the time, and as I prepared to send him off to school the following day, it required every ounce of my strength to let him go. But I did.
That’s just what mothers do.
When a shooting occurred in a movie theater, I was left grappling with how to protect my teens from ever going to the movies again. The brave mask was back on.
In 2007, another shooting at Virginia Tech claimed 32 victims. I wondered if I would ever feel comfortable leaving my child at college. Yet, I did, just like countless other mothers every year, standing bravely at dorm curbs, military bases, and training academies. We release them into the world, all while wearing our courageous masks.
I must admit, my brave mask is weary and worn. It carries the weight of anxiety and distress but remains ever-present. Every day, it becomes a bit harder to put on, yet it’s more crucial than ever. I can’t protect my children from the harsh realities of life. I cannot shield them from the constant barrage of tragic news and the suffocating weight of “what ifs.” I cannot promise them a future that is entirely safe and happy—that would be unrealistic.
What I can commit to is wearing my brave mask for them, so that each time they step through the front door, it’s the last thing they see. Perhaps they will venture into the world carrying a sense of courage and faith, understanding that life is meant for living, not hiding.
Courageous masks. Because that’s simply what mothers do.
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In summary, being a mother is about showing resilience and courage in the face of adversity. We may feel tired and overwhelmed, but our brave masks are essential for guiding our children into a world full of possibilities.