The sacred bond between a mother and her children is a privilege that I don’t take lightly. I held them first to my breast, later by the hand, and now forever in my heart. This connection is unbreakable.

I’m well past the season of play dates and tying shoes and am approaching the empty nest. Yet, the love I hold for each of my sons grows stronger as I try to embrace the young men they are today rather than reminiscing about the adorable tots of yesteryear. Each has found a unique path, which they are individually prepared to travel. I get a glimpse into their lives now rather than being center stage.

I acknowledge it is an honor to have had their unending faith in me; I also recognize the responsibility that accompanied this. Beyond providing the basic needs such as education opportunities and activities to build their skills and confidence, I strived to expose them to experiences that both stretched and comforted them. They trusted me to provide security until each was ready to forge ahead unassisted.

It is my pride that they take the time to be kind and thoughtful as I know they are. Also true, they have learned and demonstrated their abilities to succeed in the outward ways measured by a fast-paced society. I hope they remember to rest and restore having earned the right to take time off. In intentional space, I hope they chose to take chances to love, to learn, to give, and to serve.

As our relationships grows, I keep my phone nearby waiting to answer their calls. Fewer now. Accepting success is knowing they have it in them to approach each situation as it arrives without my help, though I am steadily on standby just in case.

Overall, my wish is that they see the joy they bring to me and the sense of awe I have in the people they have become. The best part of my life is the time I spent raising my three sons. My boys exposed me to a way of understanding the world through different eyes with their innocent wonder and playful curiosity.

Mother’s Day is a day I can be still and know that I am the lucky one. I am blessed to have held their beating hearts in my womb. Their lives are my greatest fortune. I am forever a mom and this is my best self and greatest opportunity to serve the greater good. Their contributions to the world multiply what I alone could provide.

With love, I give thanks for being able to handle these precious lives with care. They are the gifts of creation I cherish the most.