Somewhere someone has just found out she is going to become a mother. Somewhere someone has found out she won’t. Somewhere a mother is crying for the loss of a pregnancy. Somewhere a mother isn’t ready to be a mother. Somewhere a mother is giving birth. Somewhere a mother is sleep deprived. Somewhere a mother is staring into the eyes of a newborn. Somewhere a mother is picking cheerios up off the floor. Somewhere a mother is making sacrifices. Somewhere a mother is watching her baby learn to walk. Somewhere a mother is gently cleaning a booboo and covering it with a band aid. Somewhere a mother is rocking a sick child.

Somewhere a mother is finding out she has cancer. Somewhere a mother is dying. Somewhere a mother is caring for her own mother. Somewhere a mother is ready to give up. Somewhere a mother is asking for help. Somewhere a mother is cleaning the house. Somewhere a mother is making a meal for her family. Somewhere a mother has finally found joy in the little things. Somewhere a mother is teaching her child. Somewhere a mother is being taught. Somewhere a mother is feeling proud. Somewhere a mother is being humiliated in the grocery store by her toddler. Somewhere a mother is feeling trapped. Somewhere a mother needs a break. Somewhere a mother is feeling rejuvenated. Somewhere a mother has found time for herself.

Somewhere a mother is praying for her children. Somewhere a mother is praying for herself. Somewhere a mother is worrying. Somewhere a mother is doubting herself. Somewhere a mother is paving the way. Somewhere a mother is ready to take on the world. Somewhere a mother is being criticized. Somewhere a mother is losing her inhibitions. Somewhere a mother is feeling humbled. Somewhere a mother is reaching out. Somewhere a mother is helping another mother. Somewhere a mother is feeling unappreciated. Somewhere a mother is crying. Somewhere a mother needs to be held. Somewhere a mother is thinking of the future. Somehwere a mother is wondering how she is going to make it to tomorrow.

Somewhere a mother is attending a graduation. Somewhere a mother is planning a wedding. Somewhere a mother is burying her child.  Somewhere a mother is watching her own child become a parent. Somewhere a mother’s long journey is coming to an end.

Being a mother is manifest in so many ways.  So, here’s to all women, whatever their journey to motherhood has looked like… humble, modest, selfless, real, virtuous, forbearing, patient women that sacrifice a bit of themselves every day.