An Ode to Our Mothers in Celebration of Mother's Day

Mother's Day is looming for anyone who traditionally celebrates outside of the UK time zone (where Mother's Day is celebrated three weeks prior to Easter). Don't panic. The internet will provide you with a lengthy list of gifts, experiences, and DIY projects that you can share with your own mother.

In fact, was it not for my annual calendar reminder about Mother's Day, my inbox and social feeds would have tipped me off to it without any help. Everywhere I look, there are posts, blogs, and emails full of ideas, discount codes, and reminders in the lead up to the big day. This year I've seen everything from pamper packs to psychic readings, wine tastings, to gym packages, flowers to flours (...for the baker in your life, of course!) and a whole lot of chocolate. Mothers in 2018 are ever so lucky to have so many gift options at hand!

This year, I'm sad to report I won't be spending my mothers day with my mother, nor my mother-in-law, grandmother-in-law, aunties, cousins, or my newly minted sister-in-law and my delightful niece. In fact, I won't be spending time with any of the beautiful, powerful, and generally great mothers that I'm related to since distance sees us thousands of kilometers apart. This is one of a handful of lows in the life of a traveler. However, I will think of every one of them from afar.

I am sometimes criticised when it comes to Mother's Day. I believe it's not just about celebrating one's own mother. I wholeheartedly believe it's about celebrating what motherhood is, and the sacrifice and triumph that every single "mother" has had. For me, that means a phone call, card, message or email (Facebook shoutout or even a whole blog...) to all those wonderful women above, and more, not just my own special mum.

Now, none of this is to say that on my very first Mother's day (whenever that may be!) I don't want my box of chocolates*, a bunch of flowers, or voucher for a pamper session. But I hope that as my Mother's Days eventually rack up and I become a Grandmother, Mother-in-Law, God Mother and all those other great titles, that I can instill the same belief, that all mothers should be celebrated in my family.

So, I implore you this Mother's Day to drop a quick message to all those mothers you know who are trying their hardest and doing their best. I bet they'll both love and appreciate hearing from you, and science says it will make you feel good too.

And hey, let's be honest. Mother's Day can be tough too. Tough for those people who have lost their mother, or a special mother type in their lives. Tough for those women who are yearning with all their might to be a mother. Tough for those women for whom motherhood was cut short. Tough for those mothers who are doing it alone. Tough for those fathers who have to be the mother too. Tough for those mothers who aren't enjoying that 'post-natal glow.' While you're enjoying the glow of Mother's Day, spare a thought for these people and their hurt. You can't fix it, but you can be gentle with them and treasure them.

So here is my heartfelt wish to all on Mothers Day this year;

New Mothers, Old Mothers, Step Mothers, (Great) Grand Mothers, Mothers-in-law, Mothers-to-be, honorary Mothers and God Mothers...... this Mothers Day is for you. Relax a little, enjoy the moment, and be proud of what you've achieved in getting those you care about to where they are now and where they will be in the days, weeks, months and years to come. We really couldn't do it without you.

Now. Go give a mother you know a big ol' hug. She probably deserves it!

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