With Mother's Day tomorrow, I can't help but think of my mom and what a gift she has been to my life. She has loved me unconditionally, through all my bratty tantrums and know-it-all phases. Through the countless softball games and mock trial tournaments, she's been there. Even when I did and said horrible things to my family and didn't love myself, she loved me. She supported my every decision, as long as it was MY decision: Wearing krimped bangs with permed hair; making a move across the country to a big, busy city (far away from her); deciding to leave my secure corporate job to pursue my passion and become a yoga teacher. She was 100 percent behind me. Heck, she even supported Mike and I when we told her we were adopting a 160-pound Newfoundland dog that drools and sheds like nobody's business. "I can't wait to come take care of her," she said. (We had a change of plans about adopting the Newfie, but I know my mom would have been here nonetheless.)
I am in awe when I think about how much my mother has given - and still gives - to my brothers and me. She always puts our needs in front of hers. Dinner, laundry, appointments, car pool, homily notes, new clothes, bringing us to the aiport at early morning hours, and gifts always come before her relaxing or her own new clothes. Even when she didn't have a dollar to give, she'd offer to pay for flights to Minnesota to see the family, vacation time together, and my wedding. I believe my mom would give us anything she could if only that would make us happy and safe.
While my mom is an amazing lady, I know this story is not unique to her only. All mothers have a special way of loving their children unconditionally and giving without ever needing anything in return. Imagine what the world would be like if we all treated each other like mothers treat their children. If we approach every person we meet in the grocery store or on the street with an open heart and a helping hand. If we forgive, truly forgive, the people who hurt us without needing a reason why. If we give fully to others, without ever thinking of what we will get in return. If we love everyone for who they are, no matter their religion, sexual orientation, profession, or ethnicity. Can you imagine?
This Mother's Day I encourage you to pause for many long, still moments and think of the wonderful gracious things your mom or any other mother figures in your life do. Feel your gratitude and truly, from the heart - just as your mother would - tell your mom how much she means to you. But don't wait for special holidays to express this gratitude to your mom, or any of the other angels in your life. Do it now! Tell everyone in your life what a gift they are to you. And, even if its only for one hour each day, practice treating all the people you encounter in your life with the same unconditional love that a mother has for her child. Imagine what a difference we can make.
