Moms Are Heroes
Moms are heroes we don’t hear enough about.
Some of us have complicated relationships with our mothers. Like child actor, Jennette McCurdy who wrote the #1 New York Times Bestseller, I’m Glad My Mom Died. When I saw this title I had to pick it up and read it. I couldn’t imagine anyone feeling that way about their mom. In the book she details how difficult her childhood was having been pushed in the spotlight. She chronicles her feelings of anxiety, shame, and self-loathing while dealing with eating disorders, addiction, and later unhealthy relationships.
Yes, some have had a complicated relationship with Mom.
But in my humble opinion moms are heroes. No one can take the place of Mom.
Mom is the one we think of when good things happen and when bad things happen.
When I sat in the waiting room while my husband was having heart surgery the person I called was my mom. There was no one else who could fill the space in that waiting room. And when I got the news he was going to be okay (you guessed it) I called again.
When I got hit by a truck while on my ten-speed bike, all I wanted was to get to homebase, all I wanted was to get to my mom.
When I got engaged, I wanted to tell Mom.
When I got pregnant with my first, second, and third child, I wanted to tell Mom.
When I got the deal, the promotion, the “news” I wanted to tell Mom.
Moms hold a special place that no one else can fill. There is a bond between mother and child which is indescribable. If I were to try to describe it, I’d say it’s an invisible cord that nothing can break no matter what the circumstances.
Holding the honored title of Mom has immeasurable value.
As a mom, what is it that our kids seek from us?
Regardless of age our children desire approval from us. Disappointing mom doesn’t feel good for anyone.
Criticism, judgement, unacceptance are all heavy burdens on our kids. We all seek love and approval, especially from our moms.
A few days ago, one of my kids was home sick from work and I got a call. What he said was, “I needed to talk to someone who makes me feel happy.”
Mom.
Moms are the happy place for their kids.
Moms are the soft place to land.
Moms are the smile, cheers, embrace that every child—even an adult child—needs.
If you are a mom remember your child craves love and approval from you. They may not show it, but it’s built into every baby. When a baby is born it’s obvious that they need mom more than ever, and as we parent this little baby our job is to teach them to live independently of us. If we are successful in doing this it may seem like we are useless and tossed aside, but make no mistake about it… If your child is independent then you have done your job well, Mom. You are a success. From the time they are born we are guiding our children to move away from us.
It’s a funny thing, motherhood, our job is to make ourselves dispensable—to nurture children who can thrive with or without us.
As a mom one of the best gifts you can give is that of approval.
If you are a child, appreciation with a thank you will mean more to your mom than you probably realize.
On this Mother’s Day be sure to thank Mom and be sure to show gratefulness and admiration as a mom.
“As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you; and you will be comforted over Jerusalem.” – Isaiah 66:13
Moms are unsung heroes.
Want more from Lucille Williams on this topic? Order a copy of “The Impossible Kid: Parenting a Strong-Willed Child with Love and Grace.” For marriage tips “From Me to We,” and “The Intimacy You Crave” can help you get the relationship you dream of. And for little ones Turtle Finds His Talent for ages 2-6.
