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You’re the Best, Mom

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1 day ago

I love Mother’s Day. Not because I’m a Mom (just Aunt + Godmother to 17 nieces, nephews and Godkids). But, because it’s the chance to recognize all those hard-working Moms out there, this time of year. Especially, my Mom. You all deserve the world this week – and every week.

Mom is the Backbone

As I write this, I’m coming off a three week trip to Africa and awaiting my flight home. Africa is a place that has always been special to my heart, because it’s here as I shared in last month’s musings that 12 years ago, I found my heart. But with Mother’s Day upon us, being here in Africa, it’s clear the heart of society is that of the mothers who are the foundation of family. And beyond that, Mothers are the backbone of society in Africa. It is a mother who wakes at 6am to begin by fetching water for the village. From there she will cultivate the land for hours and harvest vegetables to bring back to begin cooking for the village. After feeding the children and animals, it’s then she will get to work, although she’s already worked for seven hours running the village. There have been so many humbling moments where I’ve almost been broken by the morning duties. To then go with these mothers to weave, sell their goods and earn money for their families puts a lot in perspective. In Africa, a mother’s day isn’t 9-5pm, but rather 6am to 9pm.

The Strength of Mom

You don’t need to be in Africa though to understand the importance of Mom. The fact is that Mothers are often the glue of families, whether you’re from a village in Africa or the West Village in NYC. And when we’re feeling down, or lonely, or in a tough situation, many of us turn to Mom for comfort. And let’s face it, no matter how great your significant other is, as a Mom, you’re often pulling more weight. You are the heart of the operation. We all know that you don’t just deserve a day, you deserve years of recognition for all you do.

Making Moments with Mom

It is a fact of life that Mom will not be around forever. I see friends who have lost their mothers and they are never the same. Every single person I know would give the world just for one more trip, one more dinner, one more conversation, with Mom. With this in mind, I decided about 6 years ago that I was going to come in for every important occasion. This includes my Mom’s birthday, which coincidentally is always right around or on Mother’s Day. This year Mom’s getting a double header of a birthday dinner and a special Mother’s Day brunch. Because as I said, Mom doesn’t just deserve a day, she deserves many years of celebration.

Trips for Mom

I’m not one to live life with any regrets, so this year I’m taking Mom on another trip of a lifetime. We’re headed with the entire family to Scandinavia, for a 10-day adventure aboard the Silversea. One of the stops will be Lithuania, in honor of another incredible mother, my sister-in-law. Speaking of Moms, she’s given our family the love of our lives, in my niece and nephew. So while I’m not a Mom myself, I am so grateful for the Moms in my life who show me what unconditional love is through their kids. You make this world a beautiful place to be.

Happy Mother’s Day, Mother’s Month, Mother’s Year, to all.