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The Unmatched Impact of a Mother
I find myself calling my mom at least twice a week, usually with some quirky question that I’m convinced only she can solve. Questions like, “How can I tell if this chicken is still fresh?” or “Do I really need to hand wash this shirt, or is that just a guideline?” or “What does poison ivy look like again?” Do you remember those days when you lost something, and your mom always seemed to know where it was? Well, I’m pretty sure she still has that magical ability. And it’s likely that her talent for locating lost items has now passed down to me. As a mother myself, I’ve begun to understand the true frustration of being the “Ultimate Finder of All Things.” Just the other day, I spent a solid hour searching for my daughter’s beloved unicorn toy. That’s an hour I’ll never get back.
Like many mother-daughter relationships, ours has evolved through the usual phases. As a child, I was her little sidekick on bike rides and her helper during holiday decorating. As a feisty preteen, she made sure my soccer uniform was spotless, while I brought over a gaggle of friends to munch on her snacks without notice. During my rebellious teenage years, I grumbled about her rules yet soaked up her endless support and care. It wasn’t until college that I truly realized how much I missed her creamy mashed potatoes and her laundry services. In my 20s, she became my biggest fan, my rock, my shopping companion, and my wedding planner. And now, in my mid-30s, I lean on her wisdom and help more than ever.
I can’t count how many desperate calls I’ve made over the last several years that sent her racing over to assist. When my son accidentally cut his chin on the shower rail, I called her on speaker while holding him tightly wrapped in a towel, waiting for her expert opinion on whether a hospital visit was necessary. She even took my daughter, who was sitting in a chilly bath, puzzled by my sudden tears. Just a year prior, she zoomed over when I panicked after my daughter scraped her nose on a can of corn while I was prepping dinner. (I promise I’m not a negligent mom; my kids are just a bit accident-prone, and I tend to freak out at the sight of blood.)
And let’s not forget my youngest. The moment the doctor informed me on the day she was born that she might need to go to the ICU, my mom was the first person I called. Without hesitation, she rushed back to the hospital, spending the day soothing the baby and reassuring me that everything would turn out fine. And it did—moms always know. It’s such a comfort having a grandma ready to swoop in with soothing words and a calm presence, making everything feel better, including fixing all sorts of scrapes with Band-Aids and treating her grandkids to popsicles and 7-Up when they’re under the weather, truly spoiling them.
It wasn’t until I became a mom myself that I understood the sheer effort that goes into that role. I used to wonder why my mom was ready for bed by 9 PM. I thought she was just being a party pooper, but now I see that she was simply worn out from managing a full day of work, chores, cooking, and ferrying us around. Her day started long before we woke up, and she’s maintained that schedule for over 34 years, especially with my youngest brother still in high school. Now I realize that moms don’t really get “sick days”—the laundry won’t do itself, and kids seem to think they need to eat every single day.
The impact of a mother is truly immeasurable. The way she lives her life shapes your habits, and her words often become your own. Have you ever caught yourself saying something that sounds exactly like your mom? I frequently find myself telling my kids I want to “squeeze their guts out.” When I first said this, my husband looked at me like I was nuts until I explained that it means I love them to pieces and want to give them a giant hug. (Some phrases can get a bit lost in translation, but you get the idea.)
A mother is a guiding light during dark times and a calming force in chaos. She can be both your biggest advocate and your most cautious advisor, ready to mend broken hearts with shopping trips and cure boredom with reality TV marathons and impossibly buttery popcorn. She’s the one who stitches up prom dresses and funds wedding gowns. She bakes your favorite birthday cake (which, for me, is fresh coconut crème) and remembers to stock the diet soda when you come for dinner. She knows your deepest secrets and has been there through your toughest times, still loving you no matter what. Over the years, she wipes away your tears—and a few of her own. She’s the one who has changed both your diapers and those of your little ones.
So today, as I take a moment to reflect on my blessings, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to all the mothers who selflessly put their children’s needs before their own. Thank you for staying up late to help with homework and waking up early to whip up breakfast. Thank you for balancing your days in the office with evenings in the bleachers. Thank you for skipping personal care appointments just to make it to gymnastics class. A special shoutout to all the single moms who juggle both parental roles, bearing the weight of parenting with grace—I admire your strength and selflessness. To the moms who step into motherhood through marriage, you show the world that love knows no boundaries. And to those who embrace children not born of their own bodies, you exemplify that a mother’s love is truly unconditional. For the moms watching over us from heaven, we feel your absence every day and seek your guidance in our hearts. Although we long to hear your voices again, we know you’re preparing our favorite cakes for our joyful reunion while cradling our little ones until it’s time for them to come to us.
And to my own mom, thank you for setting the bar for what it means to be a mother and for showering my kids with love as if they were your own. I even forgive you for spoiling them with cookies and sweet tea before sending them back home. I recognize karmic justice when I see it!
In summary, the influence of a mother is profound and lasting. From the lessons she imparts to the love she demonstrates, her impact shapes who we are and prepares us for parenthood ourselves.
For more insights on home insemination and the journey to motherhood, check out our other blog post here, or if you’re interested in fertility options, you might find this resource helpful.