This year, for the second year in a row, I am spending Mother’s Day apart from my mother. This is major because with the exception of when I went away to university, she and I have not been apart for Mother’s Day.
I often talk about my mother. And when I do, it’s to either tell funny stories of my upbringing, the crazy things she says or to wax poetic about what she means to me.
My mother was a single parent who raised four children on her own. Even when she was married, she raised us on her own. She is hands down the most resilient woman I know. And she is incredibly nurturing, even though she gives all of her children tough love.
I don’t think I can remember one occasion when she let me down. We have had disagreements, just like any mother and daughter. And sometimes, we get really angry at each other.
I remember one time I was on the phone talking to her and she wasn’t paying attention and it made me very angry. I told her about it and she got mad. So, the two of us hung up in anger.
Now, here’s the thing you should know about my mother. She is stubborn. And as the saying goes, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. So, we went days not speaking to each other.
Occasionally, I would pick up the phone to see if she broke down first and sent me a text. She didn’t. Knowing her, I’m sure she did the same. We eventually started speaking again (for the record, she texted me, first. LOL). And I was extremely relieved.
My mother is my best friend. I always tell people that I know there is no one on the planet who will love me the way she does or care for me the way she does. No one.
We share a very special bond that keeps us connected.
One of the reasons why I take Mother’s Day so seriously and give it the respect it deserves is because I realise that not everyone has a living mother. I have many friends and former colleagues, who have lost their mothers. This time of year is absolute hell for them.
I don’t know what tomorrow holds, or next year, for that matter. So, I make sure to let my mother know that I love her and that I am extremely proud of all she has accomplished.
This Mother’s Day, I am thinking of my mum and praying that she has a very long, healthy life. So many people, including me, depend on her love and support.
I’m also thinking of everyone who has lost a mother – whether she passed away or is still here. We have to remember that not everyone has a great relationship with their mum. So, this day is especially difficult for them.
I also hope that this day isn’t too tough on the many women who want to become mothers, but it hasn’t happened yet.
There are many women – myself included – who would love to be a mother. So, my thoughts and prayers are with them and I hope that they can experience motherhood in all its fullness soon.
This year, I salute all the mothers, godmothers, dog mothers, plant mothers, aunts whose nieces and nephews are like their children and every woman who has mothered a child in some way.
Happy Mother’s Day,
XOXO,
This Bahamian Gyal
