"... all the people who helped mother children." - Anne Lamott

Written May 9, 2021

I saw Anne Lamott's post about Mother's Day and was struck by her words, particularly the line that reads, "You want to give me chocolate and flowers? Great. I love them both. I just don't want them out of guilt, and I don't want them if you're not going to give them to all the people who helped mother children."

All the people who help mother children - fathers, father-figures, the grandparents, aunts and uncles, sitters, cousins, friends, parents of friends, teachers, coaches, neighbors, custodial staff, support staff, life guards, doctors, nurses ... the list goes on and on and on. While I loved all the love I was the recipient of today, I can't help but think of all the people I need to say thank you to for mothering my kids, who mothered me when I was younger and to those who continue to do so today.

If you look up the definition of mother and focus on the verb form rather than the noun, it reads, "bring up (a child) with care and affection," (per the Oxford Languages definition). So to all those who have done that for me and for my kids, thank you from the very bottom of my heart for the gifts and the lessons. And of course, for the coffee too.

I'd be remiss if I didn't send my mom and my mother-in-law a whole bunch of love for the example they've set and the pillars of mothering that they are. I love you both and can't wait to get to see you in person again soon. Here's to mothering children - today and everyday.