i struggle so deeply
to understand
how someone can
pour their entire soul
blood and energy
into someone
without wanting
anything in
return
—Rupi Kaur, I Will Have to Wait Until I’m a Mother
It’s impossible to deny that all of our lives have changed in numerous and immeasurable ways over the last weeks. This is uniquely true for families, as many mothers and fathers have become different kinds of teachers than, perhaps, they were before. More and more parents are working from home; children are home from school. There are plenty of parents who had chosen to homeschool their children—but many others are gathering new skills in this arena and are having to do so quickly.
Mothers are often primary caregivers in a family. Sheltering in place has offered some households the blessing of more family time together, but it is also offering a unique set of challenges for mothers who, as they often do, must adapt rapidly to make a care plan for their families. Round-the-clock family time can be taxing, especially when you need more time to be just a person, who needs to process their own feelings and take time to identify as someone other than “mom”.
So, celebrate all of the things that are you. Your role as a mother, as a human, as a spiritual being. If you can’t be with your mother or mother figure during this time, take the time to call and write notes. Reach out to other mothers for strength and community. Lean on one another. Find something that uplifts your spirit or that will fill the space between you and a mother in your life.
Today, and in this time of great unknown, we launch our annual Mother’s Day Gift Guide. There’s never been a time when we need our mother figures more.
