A Mother's journey and purpose are complex, unexpected, challenging, messy, poignant, infuriating, humbling, deeply rewarding and sometimes devastating beyond measure.

What we do is extraordinary, important and vital to life on this planet, yet often uncelebrated, unpaid, and sometimes hidden from view or even isolated.

In subtle and not-so-subtle ways, we hold the world up.

We breathe life, color, softness, fortitude and love into the arteries and tissues of humanity.

We are delicate and fierce; skilled in the arts of poise, wit, grace and sensitivity.

Our blood and our tears water every garden that has ever been planted.

Wherever we are, we are home for our tribe. We tend the hearth; keeping a warm, safe and familiar place for everyone to gather; where everyone belongs.

We are always pregnant with life or exquisite creative possibility.

We lick our own wounds where no one else will see, and we bless the world with tough love and kisses.

I wish extra special blessings to mothers who are doing it on their own; and for those who have help and support, and still it’s hard….

A deep bow to moms of children with special needs who we may never see in public; for moms in danger, or with no place to call “home;” for mothers who build empires out of dust and noodles.

Special prayers and admiration for those of us who have seen our children through illness; who have had to make excruciating choices; and may we hold especially close the Mothers who have witnessed their child’s transition to Heaven.

We are the cornerstones of healthy and vibrant civilizations – our contributions may seem to go unnoticed at times, but matter immeasurably.

May Mothers Day be a moment to remind us of our wisdom and courage, celebrate our dreams, and affirm our glory as ordinary and extraordinary women.