Celebrating Mothers

I recently attended an event which saluted a group of one hundred mums in their participation for a future technology related project. By the sound of that, one would expect that the mums involved would mostly be young, hip and beautiful. In actual fact, they came from all walks of life. The working mothers, the SAHMs, those doing part time work and juggling childcare, and so on. But they were all beautiful indeed.

As I watched each of them walk up the stage to collect their token of appreciation, a thought struck me. All these ladies were mothers and all of them were going through similar struggles (and lots of joy) that I'm going through. I was awe struck and humbled by this simple fact: no matter how they look on the outside, all these mothers all share a strong love for their child and a deep desire to see them grow well.

Allow me to explain further. There was a mum who was dressed a little like a manga character. She had her hair dyed in a bright colour and her choice of clothes was pretty interesting. Without sounding too presumptuous, I believe many wouldn't have expect her to be a mum. But she is one indeed. The impeccably lady next to me spotted a huge diamond ring and an air of importance about her. She might be some big shot in a company, but she's still a mom. And of course we have the ones who were dressed casually or those who like myself, the one arm bandits (the other hand holds the child). Though vastly different, we were all mothers.

I used to think myself as rather sacrificial for choosing to take care of little S. This event however, has taught me that I'm not alone in this journey, and there's really no reason to go about sticking my nose in the air and act all important and awesome. Some mothers choose to balance their jobs and family for whatever reasons. And I salute them, because it's not easy; in fact I find it terrifyingly hard. Some found other arrangements that best suit them. Whatever jobs these mothers hold, whatever arrangements they have, in many ways more than one, I believe they make sacrifices everyday. All for the love of their children.

This year I celebrate my very first Mothers' Day. This time last year I was spotting an incredibly fashionable bump and experienced my first hyperventilation from work. This year, I'm blessed to be able to enjoy a nice afternoon waffle and pen this down (all with one hand). But physical changes aside, I have also matured. I've come to learn that we are all indeed more similar than what i initially thought. Mothers for one, are united by the love for their children. The things that I use to hold in high regard all these years all pale in comparison to this simple, yet astounding fact.

My mummy would insist we do nothing because it's all a commercial gimmick. But I take Mothers' Day very seriously, more so now as a Mum. We should go about thanking our mums and showering them with love everyday. And even more so on Mothers' Day, just because. No reason needed to sprinkle the little extra love.

This Mothers' Day I salute all mothers. For their love and sacrifice that I can't find the right words to aptly describe. But especially so, i salute my own mum, for being my inspiration, my role model and my constant pillar of support.

Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law. (Romans 13:8 NIV84)