By: Emma Johnson
Updated: November 12, 2023
Originally Published: January 17, 2016
I find myself reaching out to my mom at least twice a week with the most peculiar questions, convinced that only she can provide the answers. Whether I’m asking, “How do I know if this ground beef is still fresh?” or “Do I really need to wash this shirt by hand, or is that just a suggestion?” or even “What does poison ivy look like again?” I can’t help but chuckle at how, even as an adult, she still seems to possess that supernatural ability to know where my misplaced items are. It appears that this unique talent has been passed down to me, as I now find myself designated as the “Ultimate Finder of Lost Things.” Just the other day, I spent an hour searching for Uni the Unicorn’s magical berry—an hour I’ll never reclaim.
Like many mother-daughter relationships, ours has evolved through various stages. As a child, I was her enthusiastic sidekick for bike rides and our Christmas tree decorating sessions. During my rebellious preteen years, she ensured my softball uniform was always clean, while I unwittingly invited a gaggle of friends over, inadvertently boosting her grocery bill. As a know-it-all teenager, I grumbled about her rules, all while benefiting from her unyielding support. It wasn’t until college that I realized how much I longed for her homemade mashed potatoes and her constant laundry service. In my 20s, she became my biggest cheerleader, defender, shopping companion, and wedding planner. Now, as a mother in my mid-30s, I depend on her wisdom and assistance more than ever.
I can’t even count how many urgent calls I’ve made over the past seven years that resulted in her rushing to my aid. When my son injured his chin on the shower rail, I called her on speakerphone while cradling him in a towel, waiting for her to assess whether he needed stitches. She quickly took my daughter, who was sitting in a chilly bath, wondering why her mother was in a panic. A year prior, she sped to my house after I reported that my daughter had cut her nose on a can of corn during a pantry escapade while I was cooking dinner. I assure you, I am not a negligent mother—my kids are just a bit clumsy, and I’m a tad squeamish around blood.
My youngest wasn’t left out either; my mom was the first person I called when the doctor informed me on my baby’s first day that she might need to be transferred to the ICU. Without hesitation, my mom, who had stayed up until 3 a.m. to witness the birth, hurried back to the hospital, spending the day rocking the baby and comforting me. Mamas always know! It’s reassuring to have a nana on standby, ready with soothing words and a calming presence that alleviates everyone’s worries—including mine. She stocks up on Band-Aids for every scrape (real or imagined) and delivers popsicles and 7-Up to her slightly spoiled grandkids.
It wasn’t until I became a mother that I truly understood the demanding nature of that role. I used to wonder why my mom was always ready for bed by 9:00 PM, thinking she was simply being a party pooper. Now I realize she was understandably exhausted from a full day of work, cleaning, cooking, and carpooling. Her day began long before the rest of us woke up, and she’s maintained that schedule for over three decades, as my youngest brother is now a freshman in high school. I’ve come to appreciate that moms don’t really get “sick days,” because the laundry won’t fold itself, and kids seem to think they need to eat every single day.
A mother’s influence is beyond measure. Her example shapes our habits, and her voice becomes our own. Have you ever found yourself speaking, only to realize you’ve echoed one of your mother’s classic phrases? I frequently tell my kids I want to “squeeze their guts out.” The first time I said it, my husband looked at me in disbelief until I explained that it means I love them so much that I want to give them an enormous hug. Some expressions can get lost in translation, but you get the idea!
A mother shines like a beacon in the darkness and provides calm during storms. She can be both a confidant and a critic, your biggest supporter and most cautious adviser. She can heal broken hearts with shopping trips, cure boredom with reality TV marathons, and prepare your favorite birthday cakes. She knows your deepest secrets and has witnessed your struggles, loving you through it all. Over the years, she dries your tears—and some of her own—and holds the unique position of having cared for both you and your children.
As I take a moment to reflect on my blessings and the incredible people in my life, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to all mothers who put their children’s needs before their own. Thank you for burning the midnight oil to help with homework and waking up early to prepare breakfast. Thank you for balancing boardroom meetings with bleacher support. Thank you for skipping showers and hair appointments to make it to gymnastics. A special shoutout to single mothers who must also fill the role of fathers, carrying the weight of parenthood with remarkable strength—I admire your selflessness. To those who step into motherhood with grace, showing that love transcends bloodlines, thank you. And for those who have welcomed children into their arms without carrying them in their wombs, you exemplify that a mother’s love knows no bounds. Lastly, for the mothers watching from above, your guidance remains in our hearts, and your absence is felt daily. We may wish to hear your voice just one more time, but we know you’re preparing our favorite treats for our eventual reunion.
And to my own mom, thank you for being the gold standard of motherhood and for loving my children as your own. I even forgive you for sending them back home loaded up with cookies and sweet tea. I recognize karmic justice when I see it.
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In summary, the influence of a mother is profound and lasting. Her enduring support shapes our lives, and the love she imparts is immeasurable, leaving a legacy that carries on through generations.