We've all heard the the expression "when mom's not happy, no one is happy."  Why is that?  From my perspective, Moms are often the keepers of the family's emotional life.  When a child is sick, mom is worried, when a child is sad, mom is sad and often steps in to make things better. 

 

Rarely, do we talk about all that mom gives up in favor of her family.  Many moms give up their identity, especially if she makes the choice not to work once the kids arrive.  She may go from lawyer, manager, vice-president or assistant to "Mommy".  That's not a bad thing, but many moms struggle with the value of that title.  To me, it's the greatest title of all!

 

Many moms also give up their freedom.  Once kids arrive on the scene, mom can no longer make decisions - from the most complex to the simplest decision - based only on herself.  Now, she has her child and her family to consider.  Gallagher, the comedian, often refers to kids as anchors with diapers.  It can sometimes feel that way in motherhood. Just going out to dinner can feel like a monumental task when kids are little.

 

Many moms give up their sense of self and what their life goals are in favor of their job as mom.  It may be a temporary deferment of that quest, but having a family often does ask us to set our own goals aside in favor of our families.  As moms, we sometimes have to raise our families before we get a chance to save the world!

 

So, this month, I honor you, Moms!  For all you do, for all you give up, for all you gain, for all you give to others, for all you consider in each decision, for all you worry about, for all you nurture, for all that you create, for all that you clean up and for all that you make better.

 

Happy Mothers' Day to my mom and to you all!