To the Moms who Make our Motherhood Better

Via Pixabay (2015), CC0 Public Domain

Dear Other Moms,

Happy Mother's Day! I just wanted to pen you a little note to thank you for all the ways you make motherhood better. Really, I couldn’t do it without you.

Thanks for checking in just to see how things are going and to share the moments from your day with me. We might not get together as much as we’d both like, but I love getting your texts, photos and emails throughout the day. You remind me that motherhood is hilarious and that we’re in this together.

Thank you for keeping it real and sharing your struggles; you help me to be patient and gentle with myself. But thank you even more for setting goals and sharing your victories so that I know it’s okay to dream and to be proud of myself.

Thank you to all the mamas who are helping me to find my place, introducing me to your “people” and making me feel right at home in your homes. Thanks for inviting me to things so I can get out of the house, and pretending like you can’t see the mess when you come to mine.

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Thanks, seasoned moms, for sharing your wisdom and for reminding me that you didn’t (and don’t) always have it together. I'm ever grateful for all the great tips and mom-hacks because I trust you more than the internet. Thank you for sharing your family with mine, letting your big kids look after my little ones. You inspire us and remind us that someday our little monkeys might become well-adjusted young adults, too. We're so grateful for the hand-me-downs, meal invitations and all the practical ways you make life easier.

Thank you for taking care of my children while I'm at work and loving them as you love your own. It's true that no one loves them like I do, but you come awfully close. I will never be able to express the gratitude I feel when my children run into your arms or hug you goodbye.

Thank you, most of all, for helping to teach my children about the Love of Jesus. Sometimes I worry that their antics at Mass bother everyone around us, but when you smile at us, or offer encouraging words, or even slide into the pew near us so you can offer a hand, I know that we’re not only welcome, but wanted here.

Thank you for being such “moms” and loving me with such tenderness. I love you, too.