Maternity, kinship, parenthood, guardianship, custody. All of these words came up when I looked up motherhood in the thesaurus on my computer. But to me motherhood is beyond any of these words. To me, it is not bound with any legal dimensions or moral obligation. Motherhood, to me, is pure, unconditional love and joy.
No matter what the age of the child, from infant to 105, a mother would stand in front of a moving train to save the life of the child. A mother would give up her own hopes and wishes in order that the child would have theirs. A mother would stay home and nurse and care for the child and walk through a storm to protect the needs of the child. A mother beams with joy at the simplest task well done of the child. A mother caters, cooks and nurtures the child. A mother always understands, and is loving, giving and caring to the child.
A mother is beauty. This is because love and beauty are synonymous. To be wrapped in the arms of a mother is a beautiful thing. All you ever feel is safety and warmth — a loving, peaceful place to rest your head. Who would not want a mother like this? Who would not want to be loved like this? Can we as women, as mothers love each other’s children as our own? Can we love ourselves like this? Can we as a family of nations, love each other as we would our own family of friends? And what does a mother want? Nothing. But remember, a mother is a child too to someone out there in the universe. All in all, a mother is not unlike you whether you are male or female. A mother needs love too.
I imagine on the day I die, as I exhale and inhale my last breath, this thought will come over me, “All I ever wanted was to love and be loved — and, I was loved and I loved. That is good.” This, my child, is my reflection on motherhood. I love you.
