Yesterday was one of the nicest days I can recall in the annals of Mother's Day history.
To all of you mothers out there, or those who are mother figures in anyone's lives, I hope you all feel loved and appreciated as often as humanly possible.
Oh Cathy,
I have tears pouring down my face right now! I am a 30 year old woman who still doesn’t have children. Now for some, that is not a big deal but I have been very maternal from about 16. I mean, gasp at the smell of babies (even poopy ones) with delight and yearning maternal.
I live with a child with special needs. His foster mother (his great aunt) does most of the caregiving and his mother sees him every fortnight for a couple of days but I am there too. I cry when he gets hurt. I have spent many hours trying to teach him to walk, changing his nappy and feeding him. I have heard many of his first words. I even went to his early learning centre as his caregiver yet few people recognise the importance I have in his life. They say things like “oh, just wait until you’re a mother, THEN you’ll understand” even women I thought I was good friends with.
Then yesterday his foster mum (my ex mother in law) gave me a Mother’s Day card thanking me for all I do. It made my day.
Then, I read your blog post and you’re the first blogger that I follow that has recognised mother figures! Thank you!!! From the bottom of my heart. I know you weren’t but it feels like you were talking to me personally!
Allie, thanks for your comment. I believe there are so many different mother figures out there—woman AND men—who nurture and mother to children, or friends, or pets, or you name it. : ) Glad this made you feel warm!
Kendra Bsays
Great picture . . . glad it was a Happy Mothers Day for you! We had a great day too 🙂
marysays
oh dear… Coley kissing your cheek makes me cry! Our son in almost 16 and well, they change so much between Cole’s age and a 16 year old, as you well know with Aidan. Somehow, for me, that Mom / son thing is so emotional. Never thought it would be as I often muttered about women who ‘couldn’t cut the apron strings’. Fortunately, my son and I don’t have that issue, but I do sense his maturing and growing up (and his 14 year old sister’s) more and more each day.
And like Allie said, kudos to you for recognizing the many mothers, in all types and forms, out there making a difference in the world.
Yeah, I never made the connection to the apron strings thing until they started getting older. Sigh. its funny, Aidan wouldnt kiss me on the cheek. She said, That is SO cheesy. I say, Bring on the cheese while I still can!
denisesays
i think aidan is looking a little jealous though 😉
What a beautiful photo. Mothers day was pretty crap here, so I live in hope of my children getting older and taking it more in control. You have two beautiful children and you look so incredibly happy in this photo.
marshasays
the weather where i live made the day the most absolute day ever. sometimes no matter what type of mother you are, i mean in what way or shape or form, if you are making a difference in the world, sometimes you have to stop and give yourself a pat on the back.
marysays
That is SO like our daughter, Grace. She hates stuff like that – but everyone once in a while, I get lucky!
There’s nothing like a kiss from your “baby” on Mother’s Day. Your smile says it all. And despite her disdain of the corny, there’s no doubt how much a certain teenager loves you, too. We went out to eat last night and the air inside was chilly. My girl (age 8) snuggled right up to me for a good share of the meal. Bliss. 🙂
I came to thank you for recognizing those mother figures, vs Mothers. I am crying as I type this, but I can’t have children. It’s my biggest regret, and I believe it always will be.
I take an active role in friend’s children’s lives. It takes a village, right?
I thank you for recognizing that others perform the same role.
Ilona says
What a great photo! 🙂
Allie.DuckieNZ says
Oh Cathy,
I have tears pouring down my face right now! I am a 30 year old woman who still doesn’t have children. Now for some, that is not a big deal but I have been very maternal from about 16. I mean, gasp at the smell of babies (even poopy ones) with delight and yearning maternal.
I live with a child with special needs. His foster mother (his great aunt) does most of the caregiving and his mother sees him every fortnight for a couple of days but I am there too. I cry when he gets hurt. I have spent many hours trying to teach him to walk, changing his nappy and feeding him. I have heard many of his first words. I even went to his early learning centre as his caregiver yet few people recognise the importance I have in his life. They say things like “oh, just wait until you’re a mother, THEN you’ll understand” even women I thought I was good friends with.
Then yesterday his foster mum (my ex mother in law) gave me a Mother’s Day card thanking me for all I do. It made my day.
Then, I read your blog post and you’re the first blogger that I follow that has recognised mother figures! Thank you!!! From the bottom of my heart. I know you weren’t but it feels like you were talking to me personally!
cathy says
Allie, thanks for your comment. I believe there are so many different mother figures out there—woman AND men—who nurture and mother to children, or friends, or pets, or you name it. : ) Glad this made you feel warm!
Kendra B says
Great picture . . . glad it was a Happy Mothers Day for you! We had a great day too 🙂
mary says
oh dear… Coley kissing your cheek makes me cry! Our son in almost 16 and well, they change so much between Cole’s age and a 16 year old, as you well know with Aidan. Somehow, for me, that Mom / son thing is so emotional. Never thought it would be as I often muttered about women who ‘couldn’t cut the apron strings’. Fortunately, my son and I don’t have that issue, but I do sense his maturing and growing up (and his 14 year old sister’s) more and more each day.
And like Allie said, kudos to you for recognizing the many mothers, in all types and forms, out there making a difference in the world.
cathy says
Yeah, I never made the connection to the apron strings thing until they started getting older. Sigh. its funny, Aidan wouldnt kiss me on the cheek. She said, That is SO cheesy. I say, Bring on the cheese while I still can!
denise says
i think aidan is looking a little jealous though 😉
Sarah says
LOVE IT!
Melanie Hughes says
What a beautiful photo. Mothers day was pretty crap here, so I live in hope of my children getting older and taking it more in control. You have two beautiful children and you look so incredibly happy in this photo.
marsha says
the weather where i live made the day the most absolute day ever. sometimes no matter what type of mother you are, i mean in what way or shape or form, if you are making a difference in the world, sometimes you have to stop and give yourself a pat on the back.
mary says
That is SO like our daughter, Grace. She hates stuff like that – but everyone once in a while, I get lucky!
Julie says
very sweet picture.
Laura says
There’s nothing like a kiss from your “baby” on Mother’s Day. Your smile says it all. And despite her disdain of the corny, there’s no doubt how much a certain teenager loves you, too. We went out to eat last night and the air inside was chilly. My girl (age 8) snuggled right up to me for a good share of the meal. Bliss. 🙂
Lisa says
I came to thank you for recognizing those mother figures, vs Mothers. I am crying as I type this, but I can’t have children. It’s my biggest regret, and I believe it always will be.
I take an active role in friend’s children’s lives. It takes a village, right?
I thank you for recognizing that others perform the same role.
Happy Mother’s Day to you, Cathy!
cathy says
It does take a village, and I see mothers everywhere who dont have children in the list of things they mother. : )