Tomorrow is the designated day for us to pay homage and tribute to probably (because it would be tough to dispute) the most important person in our lives, our mothers. This means no disrespect to any other family member, or any other person who has done for any of us in any way shape or form, but it is our mothers who have been on the job for the entire totality of our life, be all of it on earth, or split between earth and beyond, and who carried us for nine months pre-birth, feeding and protecting us before we ever even saw the light of a day. Sometimes, it was our natural mothers who did this, and sometimes we received the same kind of love and care from a step-mother, foster mother, godmother, or a father/dad who took on the job of father and mother due to extenuating circumstances.

It was our mothers who, after she gave birth to us, took on what would be hundreds of roles making sure we grew up safe and sound, well fed, hopefully well adjusted, and well behaved. They never quit working toward, and hoping, that we would develop what it takes to be respectful, hardworking, responsible, reliable, kind, tolerant, accountable, knowledgeable (in all walks of life), forgiving, and accepting of others not only in the beginning of our lives, but forever, even after they may leave this earth. It is the Mission of Mothers to take, and uphold, this unspoken oath with both hands raised, and never stop working, praying, guiding, teaching, protecting, defending against any evil that may come the way of their child. This includes never-ending expecting, crying, and worrying, to see that their children can make life as good as it possible can/could be, and if they have/had multiple children, they may have to things a whole different way than with the other kids, so you can add flexibility, foresight, and fortitude, to be able to handle this monetarily unpaid job and mission.

Oftentimes, mothers are the ones who get the heat from their kids. Moms often come across as being mean, but that seeming trait, really is an expression of their love. Sometimes, moms get the reputation of being unfair, but in each instance where their child may think this, it is just mothers wrapping their arms around their children, giving them another hug. In some instances, mothers may come across as being unreasonable in their kids’ minds, but every instance of that perceived lack of reasonability, is another soft, gentle kiss on the cheek, or forehead, or another gentle touch of the hand representing their constant, and aching, hope and desire for their kids to feel, and be, safe and secure. And oftentimes, children have the perception that their mothers don’t understand them, but maybe the kids should look at things from their mother’s perspective, and through her eyes, and see that maybe they are the ones that don’t really understand their mother and what she hopes and prays for her children.

The resume of a mother is a never ending, infinite job description, that mothers add to each and every day of their motherhood, and when they finally “get the job,” it is a more than lifetime commitment they make, and not just here on earth, but with a guarantee that when they reach their afterlife home up above, that their unconditional commitment will continue from up there.

So, what really is a mother? If we tried to look up the full definition of what a mother is, it would take the rest of our life reading it, and we’d never reach the end of that dictionary entry.

If we take all of what a mother is into consideration, we would realize that all 365 and a quarter days of every year, should unquestionably, and without a doubt, be Mothers’ Day.

Unfortunately, in some cases, some have strained, and/or estranged, relationships with their mothers, and in some of those cases, it might, (but highly doubtfully), be justified. We’ve all made some bad calls and decisions in raising our kids, and in some of those cases, division in relationships could be caused by both sides. Maybe, if both sides can try and see their world through each other’s eyes, there might be a bridging of any gaps that may divide the relationships between mother and children, and vice versa.

So, for me, thanks to the mothers in my life, my mother, mother-in-law, my bride, my daughters, my daughter-in-law and her mother, my sisters, my sisters-in-law, my aunts, my cousins, the godmothers of my children and grandchildren, my friends who are mothers, my former colleagues who are mothers, and the mothers of former students and athletes. Thanks for all that you’ve done, and continue to do, from the first moment you became a mother, through all the days of your life, and then from your heavenly home after that.

Happy Mothers’ Day to all mothers tomorrow and every day of every year! God Bless you all!