A mother is...

I always thought motherhood would be....well, picture perfect.


My own mother made it seem so effortless. Rarely did I see her struggle. She was quietly strong. Never frazzled. The epitome of calm.


She is, and will forever be, the epitome of a perfect mother to me.


With the approach of Mother’s Day, I’ve been reflecting on my own life as a mother and wonder how she made parenting look so easy...


• Did she ever go to bed wondering if she was setting the best example she could for her children?

• Did she ever escape to her room to quietly cry tears of frustration, fear or worry?

• Did she ever take pity on herself for never having any time alone?

• Did she ever become disheartened when we uttered hateful things?

• Did she ever feel overwhelmed with all the responsibilities on her shoulders?

• Did she ever question how to discipline us when we went astray?

• Did she ever tire of us continually wanting more and not appreciating what we had?

I am the mother I am today because of my mother. While I am not perfect, I am sure she would never admit she was herself. We have both traveled our respective parenting journeys with flaws, doubts and fears. But we’ve also walked the path of motherhood with utter love for our children and unimaginable proud in their accomplishments, both big and small.


I have not hidden my parenting imperfections from my children. They have seen me at my worst. Witnessed my struggles. And comforted me when I needed it most.


But I continue on. Striving to be the same mother for them, that my mother was for me.


A mother perfect in love, hope and dreams for her children.