Mothers Everywhere

Earlier tonight I went to a yearly fundraising auction for Sweetzer Services in Maine, an organization serving children and families in need. Many of the children have families who have serious mental health issues, or parents who cannot care for them. Many of the children live in group home settings, without families of their own in their lives. It’s always heartbreaking and heartwarming to hear their stories of survival and hope.

Whenever I go, I’m so grateful for the opportunity to help in some small financial way. I’m also reminded about what it must be like to grow up without a mother, or a family of one’s own.

I think it fitting, that on the eve of this Mother’s Day, mothers everywhere not diminish the critical role they play in the shaping of a child’s life through love, constancy and protection. For all you mothers who wrestle with self-doubt, feelings of inadequacy, exhaustion, and occasional despair, (most mothers?), remember that without your (flawed) love your children would be lost.

So, cut yourself a bit of slack, do your best, and celebrate your heroic role. Happy Mother’s Day!