Photography by Jessica B
Mother’s Day
Last year’s Mother’s Day was my first time truly celebrating Mother’s Day and actually enjoyed it {obviously the Twins had everything to do with that}. My entire life it has been a day of extreme sadness, one often spent in bed with the covers over my head, halo top in hand – legitimately. As some may know, my Dad raised me, so it represented a day that the world was rubbing it in my face that I was physically without despite my heart being so full 364 days of the year.
I share this with you, because on this day, I watched as the whole world seemed to post a picture-perfect version of their Mother along with an ode to how they couldn’t imagine life without them, etc and saw it through a filter with some envy. Sometimes we need the reminder that facebook and IG are the highlight reels. And it’s okay to share our best selves, our best relationships. But just like you shouldn’t assume things about me just by looking on the surface, I needed a dose of my own medicine. Right?
I’ve come to realize that Mother’s Day is no longer a representation of what I’m lacking but rather a celebration of all the women {and men} in my life who have raised me, who have helped to raise our kids and who have made me the person that I am.
Regardless of what your relationship is with your Mother, I challenge you this year to think of Mother’s Day in that way. And hell Father’s Day too. I thought it would be fun to share my tribe. The people you often see in my stories; who have woven themselves around our little family and created the support system that has made me a Mama and us a family. My Dad aka Papa, my [step] Mama feels weird saying but only saying that so you aren’t confused aka Aja; my Aunt Giota aka Ta and of course – Eddie.
On this day, I also want to gently remind you that silently there are many battling with their inability to celebrate being a Mother themselves. But can’t yet. When IG or the book of faces makes you feel like you are in isolation, like no one else has a shitty relationship or that this isn’t true and you aren’t alone. While yes, I will be celebrating with my baby bears, I don’t forget the many other years that it wasn’t this way. Choose now to truly appreciate that vantage point.
Who will you be celebrating this year?
Till next time,
P
xo
Girl, I FEEL YOU! My mother hasn’t spoken to half of my family in over three years and hasn’t even met my 15 month old…oh and she lives TEN MINUTES away. It made me so sad and angry for so long and I definitely have moments where it really bothers me and hurts my heart but I know we are all better off…yet again, something else I connect with you on! If I could have a drink with you right now I would! Cheers to being a badass and more amazing mother because of the crap you had to deal with regarding your own!