`May is Lupus Awareness Month! Each year we make a great effort to bring lupus to the forefront of the public eye. We do so in many ways, through radio, TV, billboards, social media, city proclamations, educational programs, kiosks, websites, and so much more. It is crucial to raise awareness about lupus to gain traction to find its cause and cure. For there to be no lupus, everyone must first know it.
May is also, other than December, the most celebrated month of the year. It is filled with graduations, showers, weddings, anniversaries, and communions, but the number one celebration is mothers.
Of course, after all, everyone has a mother or has had a mother figure in their life. I decided to look up the definition of a mother. It was an exciting task. The world has changed so much, so I was excited to see how the definition had changed. Unfortunately, my search made me dizzy and scared. Try searching for yourself sometime. So interesting, but I am fearful of sharing the results.
If we look at the word mother as a verb, it makes better sense. It includes bringing up a child with care and affection. Synonyms: bring up, take care of, look after, rear, support, raise, foster, parent, tend, feed, nourish provider, and note there is nothing about love. So I canned my efforts, and decided to form my own definition.
In life, there is no stronger connection between a child and their mother, no matter how the two came together. The relationship can be complex at times, and at other times, especially during those testy teenage years, it can be an uphill struggle for both.
A mother’s love for her children is pure and unconditional. She presents her love, unselfishness, kindness, understanding, and caring nature even when you are at war. The bond between a child and mother is forged through nature and nurture, and is undeniable.
To your mother, you are the most beautiful person formed from her love. You are the smartest, kindest, and most creative person in the world to her. She does not see your shortcomings.
Believe it or not, we will most likely become her as we get older. She can help make you a better person, guide you, be your confidant, and be your safe place. She is a teacher. She taught you how to dress, to eat with a fork, brush your teeth, and be a functional part of society. She has the power to inspire you to be a better person. Your mom is your teacher because you trust her.
However, a mom does not have to be biological in order to be your mom. There are a host of others that may have risen to fill her shoes. Moms come into our lives in all different ways.
So, this is a reminder to mothers and children. Call your mother, visit her, and today write her a letter. Be authentic and focus on the positive, do not bring up old arguments, emphasize your love for her, and make it about both of you and not the other family members. Be thankful and highlight happy memories and conclude with deep gratitude. Ask nothing of her.
I want you to write a letter to your mother. Okay, but…why a letter?
The digital world is taking us all by storm. Do not just send an email to your mom. They have things called stamps and envelopes, and most people love getting handwritten letters. First off, letters are very personal. You are using your words and stories to express how much your mom means to you. And Mom knows your handwriting better than anyone.
Second, handwriting a letter takes time, which shows you care enough to try. And, of course, heartfelt and thoughtful letters often become treasured keepsakes to be reread repeatedly as years go by. Writing a letter to your mom makes a memory for her.
Think about boosting her spirits; simply sit down and express your thoughts. It doesn’t have to be award-winning poetry, it just needs to be from the heart. Imagine what a pleasant surprise it would be for her to go to the mailbox and find a love letter from her child. Priceless.
Is Mom gone?
I feel your pain. There is a giant hole in your heart. Although we cannot be with them, see them, and hear them, they are always with us. When I pass the bathroom mirror, I look into it and say, “Mom is that you?” I find myself repeating what she told me that I ignored time and time again. Darn, it… she was always right.
Write her a letter anyway. She will read it, as she has not left you. She is threaded throughout your life and it will still create a wonderful memory for her and you.
Not a good relationship with your mom?
Sadly, this happens, and I cannot imagine that journey. Write a letter anyhow. Think about your feelings and how you can mend the sorrow. Do not fill it with hate but try working on forgiveness. It is the greatest gift you can give yourself. What have you learned from this negative relationship, and how do you not duplicate it with your own child? Make this about change for you. Let go of the sorrow or grief you may have bottled up.
Get ready to write a letter to your mother. She will cherish it. She will be proud. Her heart will tingle with joy. Take the time, and share your love. So, I am asking you today… not tomorrow, but today, write a letter to your mother before it is too late.
I hope you enjoy this issue; it is about mothers with lupus, and we are thrilled to share their stories with all of you.
I want to leave you with one last reflection on my mother. When I was 27, she dragged me off to a lupus meeting. As they were seeking volunteers for one reason or another, my mother grabbed my arm and raised it hard and high. I was mortified, but look at me today… Who knew I would be the CEO of a significant chapter making positive change in the world while living a purposeful life? Mothers always know best.
I miss you, Mom, and thanks for guiding me in the right direction for my life. I wouldn’t have it any other way. After all, “mother always knows best.”