Every mother deserves to be celebrated on Mother’s Day, so I say this to you:

To the mothers that rock their babies to sleep every night. To the ones that have the ability to kiss their cheeks, as they doze off to sleep. To the ones that get to hear “I love you, mommy!” before they eagerly jump onto the school bus. To the ones that get to hold their children’s hands as you cross the street. To the ones that get to spend hours in the kitchen, as their children stand on their tiptoes to watch each step of baking cookies.

Happy Mother’s Day.

To the mothers that now have the honor and privilege of watching their children raise children of their own. To the ones that get to stand back, beaming with pride, seeing their hard work pay off. To the ones that wear their title of grandmother proudly, sneaking sweets to their grandchildren, when their parents aren’t watching. To the ones that can now give the children back after their visit, and enjoy their peace and quiet.

Happy Mother’s Day.

To the mothers that have suffered the loss of a child. To the ones that were never able to hold their child in their arms. To the ones that sat in a doctor’s examination room, being told that there was no longer a heartbeat. To the ones that spend Mother’s Day visiting their child’s grave. To the ones that were only able to hold their babies for a few short minutes, hours, or days, before they passed on. To the ones that left the hospital without their child.

Happy Mother’s Day.

To the mothers that have welcomed a child into their home, that they did not birth. To the ones that have fought, tooth and nail, for the opportunity to provide a child with a family they can call their own. To the ones that will love those children with such fervor and fierceness, as if they were their own biological children. To the ones that find the children that will complete their family, but must sometimes wait months or years for everything to be official.

Happy Mother’s Day.

To the mothers that are not carrying a child of their own, but watching someone else carry it for them. To the ones that watch their surrogate’s belly swell with life. To the ones that get to experience their child’s birth, from a different perspective. To the ones that build a beautiful bond and relationship with someone, sometimes a complete stranger, that is helping to make their dreams of becoming a mother, a reality.

Happy Mother’s Day.

To the mothers that cannot celebrate this beautiful day with their own mothers. To the ones whose only Mother’s Day wish, is just to have their mothers with them again. To the ones that are raising their children, without the beautiful guidance of their mothers. To the ones that are still grieving.

Happy Mother’s Day.

So, whether you are a foster mother or a biological mother. Whether you are a surrogate or an adoptive mother. Whether you are a grandmother, aunt, stepmother, cousin, sister, or a motherly figure. Whether you are a single mother or a married one. Whether you are fortunate to still have your mother, or there is a void in your life without her. Whether you are a grieving mother or a mother surrounded by her children.

Happy Mother’s Day.

We honor you. We celebrate you. We thank you.