Happy Mother's Day 💖

This morning as I was making breakfast, I thought about my mom, and how on Sundays before Church, as a special treat, she would often bring my four siblings and me (aka the Fabulous Five) Dunkin' Donuts. To this day, glazed donut holes are my favorite.

I suspect this memory came to mind because I was thinking about all of the work my mother put into raising us (and probably because I would have preferred a donut to this morning's oatmeal).

My mom was usually out of the house in the wee hours of the morning at one of the multiple jobs she worked to support my siblings and me. After coming home, she would whisk us off to Church, where she instilled in me the gift of faith, one which has sustained me over the years.

So to her, on this Mother's Day, I say thank you for being who you are, and for all that you've done. I love you.

"How simple a thing it seems to me that to know ourselves as we are, we must know our mother's names."

-Alice Walker

A very happy Mother's Day to all of you mamas out there as well, to those of you who are mothers by birth and those who are mothers by choice. When I think back on all of the women—aunties, mentors, pastors—who have mothered me over the years, I know that I wouldn't be me without them.

With that said, for many of you, Mother's Day is complicated. For some, despite your desire, motherhood has eluded you because of biology or opportunity. For others, your mother may have passed away; in the era of COVID, this loss is one that too many have experienced too soon. Or yet, your mother may still be here, but your relationship isn't exactly the stuff that inspires greeting cards.

Whatever your situation, on this Mother’s Day you're not forgotten. As a member of this community, you’re loved, you’re appreciated, and you’re seen.

Happy Mother’s Day