"Mother" Can Be a Verb

"Mother” can be a verb. I’ve experienced this often in my life. When my own mother almost bled to death from pregnancy complications in front of my five-year-old eyes, I saw her as vulnerable and from then on tried to "mother" her as much as I could at such a young age. (My mom and baby sister were miraculously okay!) This role reversal continued through most of my life. I knew my Mom loved me, and she mothered me as best as she could at her own young age.

Fast forward to my Mom’s final months when, at the age of 94, she thought I was her older sister. I visited her daily when she was in assisted-living, and she sadly she didn't remember me as her own daughter, but it was still a loving, mothering relationship. I think of her and miss her every day.

I’ve been mothered by female relatives, teachers, doctors, and of course, friends. Some of you may not be a biological mother but are a “fur mom” who daily mothers a cat or dog in your own loving ways. Or you may be a teacher who mothers her students; a doctor or nurse who mothers her patients. More times than I can count, I have been gently mothered by a loving friend.

One of the most rewarding things in my life has been being a mother to my two amazing daughters who have grown to become two amazing mothers. They also gave me four blessings who call me “Grandma”—the sweetest word ever uttered in their tiny, perfect voices.

So on this Mother’s Day, I want to acknowledge, honor, thank, and celebrate ALL women…because mother can be a verb.

Happy Mothering Day!