Happy Mother's Day! As I sit here and reflect on my pregnancy thus far, I can't help but think about the different types of motherhood. Webster dictionary defines a mother as:
Moth´er Pronunciation: mŭth´ẽr
| n. | 1. | A female parent; especially, one of the human race; a woman who has borne a child. |
| 2. | That which has produced or nurtured anything; source of birth or origin; generatrix. |
So obviously a woman who gives birth to a child is the child's mother.
To me motherhood includes, but is not limited to: taking care of, loving, keeping safe, sacrificing, and raising a living being.
First off, mother's to be. I have read many different forums of people saying that mother's to be (pregnant women) are not "mothers". I beg to differ. Is the being that is growing inside of us not a child? Do we not carry this within us? Raising it from conception? I can attest to the fact that there have been many many sleepless nights that I have suffered through for my baby boy. Are there not things that we must give up or start doing that we don't necessarily want to do for the health and safety of our baby that's living inside of us? I truly believe that from that first day of conception, we are mothers hands down.
Now, above, I worded my definition of motherhood to care and love of a "being". This being does not have to be human. I have two parrots, and two dogs... and I've watched many other people bond and mother their pets as well. People worry over them, love them unconditionally, sacrifice for their pets on many different accounts, and finally care for their pets. So how is this not considered mothering? True, you didn't give birth to your dog or goldfish, however, you are their "parent"... they rely on your for everything and you rely on them to pretty close to the same love, life and enjoyment you get from rearing a child.
Case in point: If you have a loved one whether it is human and out of the womb, YOU.ARE.A.MOM!
And in celebration of that, Happy Mother's Day to every type of mother out there!
On a quick note, I know that my own mother is watching down on me from above today. She gave me life and love and I miss more than words can describe
Jacqui Sue Bettes May 11, 1958-Febuary, 2012
