Dear Moms,

On this Mother’s Day, I just wanted to take a moment to say “Thank you” to all of the moms out there. It doesn’t matter if you are a biological mom, a step mom, an aunt, a sister, a grandmother, a mentor, or even just that overly responsible friend. Maybe you’re a dog mom, or a cat mom, or even a snake or hedgehog mom. I want to thank you just the same.

I don’t have any biological children of my own. But I do have a baby puppy that is my sidekick and my littlest love, some best friends I overly mom, and a crew of photoshoot girls that I adore.

I hope the biological moms out there aren’t offended by this, but I think mom-ing can also be a state of mind. It’s a lifelong commitment to love something or someone other than yourself. It’s the constant mental and physical exhaustion of taking care of and being responsible for others, but loving them so much you can’t be mad about it. Just because the beings you love aren’t biologically your own doesn’t take away from your sacrifice. It doesn’t take away from your commitment, your feelings, your emotions, or your strength. And most of all, it doesn’t take away from your love.

As moms, you teach your daughters (and sons) this lesson every day. I had no idea as a little girl how much effort goes into making each of us into loving, caring human beings. Little did I know, my mom was teaching me how to nurture, support, challenge, grow, and even spoil those I love. She was preparing me for a future I couldn’t control, or even imagine. She was preparing me for total unknown. And that’s pretty impressive.

I tell my mom all the time that the older I get, the smarter she gets. Each passing year brings revelations to the gems of wisdom I’ve heard my mom say my whole life. Don’t let your looks be too fake – embrace who you are – we are all beautiful. Always say “Thank You” – maybe it’s with a note, a text, or even some cookies or treats – it’s amazing how many people don’t get thanked for the work or deeds they do. Be nice to others – you don’t know what kind of day they are having. But most of all, I never knew I would have to “just smile and nod” so much as a grown up.

So, to all of the moms reading this…. Thank you. Thank you for your sacrifices. Your commitment. Your unending love. Thank you for carrying us when we were little, and even more for mentally and emotionally carrying us now that we’re too big to actually be carried.

Someday, I hope to join your ranks as a biological mom. To have the opportunity to give my children love and support, help build their hopes and dreams, and get smarter as they get older. It would be an honor.

“I’ll love you forever,
I’ll like you for always,
As long as I’m living
my Mommy you’ll be.”
– Love You Forever – Robert Munsch

Thank you moms, for all that you do. Happy Mother’s Day.

XOXO,
Tiffany