Dear Mom Friend,
I see you.
Today marks Mother’s Day, a day that often brings breakfast in bed, flowers, and handmade cards. While these gestures are lovely, I know they might not ease the weight you carry throughout the day. What you truly crave is to be understood and acknowledged. You, the unwavering pillar of strength, yearn for someone to step in and lighten your load, even if just for a brief moment.
I see you. If no one else has noticed your struggles, I want you to know that I do. I can sense that you haven’t felt seen in a while.
Society teaches us, as women, to juggle everything effortlessly, to meet expectations with a smile. Meanwhile, our partners often interpret our experiences from a surface level, leading to misunderstandings. Motherhood, while a beautiful gift, can feel isolating, as it’s a journey that our partners may never fully comprehend.
When we talk about motherhood as a gift, some days you may feel overwhelmed, wishing you could return it, even though that’s practically impossible. Perhaps this week, your partner’s actions have added to your frustration. You’re exhausted, and all you want is a moment of rest. Yet, when you accidentally doze off during a rare shared weekend at home, rather than being supported, you find resentment directed at you.
I see the inequity in your roles. Your partner receives praise for simply picking up a child from a class, while when you express a need for a little peace, you feel shamed for it. I notice your worry, how you invite your sick child into your bed, knowing it means more laundry later. You make space for your partner, even when you’re the one in need.
Perhaps your parents are adding to your stress. Your mother might make hurtful comments about your parenting choices, or your father might seem uninterested in your life. I see your fear, but you are not defined by them. You are so much more.
Sometimes, the urge to lash out can feel overpowering, but you resist. You channel that rage into nurturing your child instead. It’s okay to have mixed feelings about motherhood — to love your child deeply yet feel overwhelmed by them. You’re using your experience to teach your child resilience. When she can pause to express her love even in frustration, you’re showing her how to navigate emotions.
I see you striving to shape a compassionate and brave little person. Remember, you are going to make mistakes — many of them. Your child will witness these blunders. Don’t hide them; use them as teaching moments. Show her how to learn and grow from her own missteps.
Right now, you might be your harshest critic. You’re exhausted and frustrated, yet you’re blind to the incredible bond you share with your child, one that your partner cannot replicate. You are her safe place.
I see you beam with pride when you say, “My kid is amazing.” She is, and deep down, you know you played a vital role in her development. I see your influence in her kindness, her ability to empathize, and her eagerness to help others.
I recognize the challenges you face daily and the love you pour into making her strong and resilient. It may feel like there’s little left for you, but I want you to know you are enough. You are doing a fantastic job, not just by your standards, but by anyone’s.
On this Mother’s Day, my wish for you is simple: may you find clarity to see yourself as I see you — enough. May you embrace that truth and find peace in it.
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In summary, today, on Mother’s Day, remember that you are seen, you are valued, and you are enough.