Mother's Day in Just in Case

I want to wish all of you mothers a very Happy Mother’s Day. The job a mother does is beyond belief. The strength and courage to raise your children is something I truly admire.
I was lucky enough to spend the day with my mom. As friends and coworkers lose their moms, I realize how lucky I am to spend time with mine. She’s a pretty freaking awesome mom. The scare last October made me be a little more realistic about her age and her fragility. That’s a word I would never have used with my mom before. She’s strong, a tough little banty hen. :)
I got a sweet card and gift card from Tootie. I cooked shrimp scampi bread sticks, and a mandarin orange cake (I HATE that cake, but Mama loves it).
Mother’s Day is always sort of bittersweet for me. I couldn’t not possibly love my mom more than I do. She’s done so much for me and I love that I get to honor her on the day. However, it’s also a reminder that I’m not a mom. I know many women who have made the choice to not have children. I 100% respect that choice. It wasn’t mine, though. I always wanted a house full. I wanted the Waltons. :D It wasn’t meant to be, though. Medical reasons prevented me from having kids and financial reasons kept me from adopting. There’s nothing I can do about that, but it’s a otugh pill to swallow sometimes. I read an article today that really bothered me. I’ve never assumed that I should be wished a Happy Mother’s Day. I’m not a mom. The kids at different times have given me cards and/or gifts as their aunt, and I love that, but I’m not a mom. I accept that. Anyway, this article stated clearly that Mother’s Day is for Mothers not for single fathers, not for aunts, etc. In fact, her statement was, “Don’t tell me you have 3 nieces and 2 dogs, so you know what it’s like to be a mom. You didn’t carry a child in your body. You didn’t stay up all night with them when they were sick. You didn’t spend sleepless night worried about them. You’re not a mother. You’re an aunt and a pet owner.” Even though, as I said, I don’t see myself as a mother, I instantly had 2 thoughts:
1. How dare she presume that only a woman who has carried a child know what it’s like to be a mom.
2. Yes, in fact, I have spent many sleepless nights worrying. Yes, I have stayed up all night tending to sick kids. Yes, I’ve gone on field trips. Yes. I’ve brought cookies or cupcakes to class parties. Yes, I’ve gone without to make sure they have what they need.

But you know what? Ultimately I feel sadness for her. On a day when there should be happiness, she just found bitterness. I have no qualms about what makes a mother. So again, to all you mothers, where your babies have 2 legs or 4, whether they are a child by blood or just of love, I wish you a very Happy Mother’s Day. I thank you for what you do for the people you love, and I know they do as well.