This One’s for the Mothers and All the Other Women Out There

|Christina R., 18, Arizona|

For a while, after my mom got married, she couldn’t have children. It took about 5 years for her to finally have my older sister Rachel. She would tell me that it was so hard for her to be around mothers and go to church on Mother’s Day. I didn’t understand when I was younger why that would be hard, but now I see that it totally makes sense. 

Before I continue on with talking about motherhood, there is a point I would like to make… my definition of a mother is different from a normal dictionary definition. To me, a mom isn’t necessarily a woman with children, moms are women who take other people under their wings and who make a difference in the lives of others. 

During my senior year, I had this choir teacher that I absolutely loved. She directed my choir of 8 girls, called United Sound. Some of us got together this year and face timed her and sang for her for Mother’s Day because she is like another mom to us. Some of the most amazing women in my life don’t have children because they have too many children, they share their love with everyone and everyone they help can feel their love like the love of a mother would feel.

Earlier this year, I was talking to one of my friends who found out that due to health complications, she may not be able to have children in the future. Finding this out was a blow to her. We talked for a while and I got this very distinct impression that Heavenly Father had a plan for her. Heavenly Father knew that other people would need her, whether it be foster care, adoption, or something else. It was an overwhelming impression. I could feel His love for her so strong. So my lovely sisters, take courage because an Almighty Being who loves you is directing your life for great things.

Now that we can all agree that any woman can be a mother despite the circumstances, I would like to talk a little bit about motherhood. I am not a mother yet, but I hope one day to be and I have learned much from other mothers around me. I would like to share a poem I wrote for my cousin at her baby shower:

The life of a mother

Is quite a journey

Of laughter and love

And home and family

As the children grow,

They feel heart ache and peace.

While they adventure through life,

High school and maturity,

When life gets hard

They are able to see,

You are their best friend

For all eternity. 

Being a mom isn’t easy but every mom has told me it is worth it. It truly is a noble cause to help raise children and teach them. They learn so much from the things you do and the examples you set. So, in whatever way you are a mother, remember that the work you do does not go unnoticed. Remember that Heavenly Father has a great plan for you. He is molding you for wonderful things and unimaginable joy to come.