What does it mean to be a mother?

I’ve been getting emails for a month or more giving me the opportunity to opt out of emails about Mother’s Day. I understand the reasoning. Since my mother passed away, Mother’s Day hasn’t been as meaningful to me.

Is that strange? I’m a mother, after all. Shouldn’t I feel honored on this day?

I think it’s sad we have to set aside a day to honor our parents (they call them Mother’s Day and Father’s Day). The fifth commandment says we should honor our parents every day.

What does it even mean to be a mother?

Is it about giving birth? That would leave adoptive parents out.

Is it about a child sharing a last name with you? That excludes foster parents.

Any woman who has ever loved a child and made sacrifices for that child qualifies as a mother.

With this definition, that might leave women who gave birth to a child out of the equation. Maybe she cared more about drugs and neglected caring for her children to feed her habit.

Love is action. When I had my sons, I knew my life was forever changed. I could no longer live to please myself or my husband. I would have to consider what was best for my children.

Your turn. What does it mean to be a mother?