A Tribute to all Mothers

This is a tribute for the mothers who sat in rocking chairs for hours on end soothing a crying baby.

For all the mothers who ran carpools, made cookies, and sewed Halloween costumes;

For the mothers whose priceless art collections were left hanging on their refrigerator doors.

This is for every mother whose head turned automatically when a little voice called “Mom?” in a crowd;

Even though they knew their own children were at home—or even away at college.

This is for the mothers whose children have gone astray, who can’t find the words to reach them.

This is for all the step-mothers who raised another woman’s child or children, and gave their time, attention, and love - - sometimes totally unappreciated!

What make a good mother anyway? Is it patience? Compassion? Knowledge?

The ability to nurse a baby, cook dinner, and sew a button on a shirt—all at the same time? Or is it in her heart?

Is it the ache she felt when she watched her son or daughter disappear down the street, walking to school alone for the very first time? Or is it the need to flee from wherever you are and hug your child when you hear news of a fire, a car accident, a child dying?

The emotions of motherhood are universal, and so our thoughts are for young mothers stumbling through diaper changes and sleep deprivation; and mature mothers learning to let go; for working mothers and stay-at-home mothers; single mothers and married mothers; and those mothers who are experiencing it all over again with their grandchildren.

Please take the time to give tribute to a mother on Mother’s Day. This is for all of them.