Age is just a number – I still need my Mom

By STACY WOLFORD
Managing Editor

Everything changes as we get older, including Mother’s Day.

But even though I am 52 years old with two grown sons, I will be the first to say that I still need my Mom.

That is something that neither time, life, nor distance could ever change.

She’s the one I call when I need advice on how to cook something, when I’m choosing flowers for my yard, or when I can’t remember how many teaspoons are in a tablespoon (it’s 3 by the way).

I still tell her when I’m sick, if my boyfriend Joel is sick, and if one of our dogs is not feeling good. When I lie and tell her I am “fine,” she knows darn well that I am not and pries the reason for my misery out of me. I tell her when I have a doctor’s appointment, and I know when she has her appointments scheduled. Most days I check in with her whether it’s a text or phone call. She’s still someone I want to share things with, from the mundane – I got an order from Walmart delivered today — to the milestones.

As a teenager, I’m sure I told her I didn’t need her. I thought I was old enough to know how to do everything on my own. As usual, my Mom was right and I had no clue. I truly don’t think I appreciated my Mom until I became one. I began to understand exactly what she meant when she used to say, “You just wait until you have kids one day,” or, “Being a parent is a life sentence, with no chance for parole.”

My Mom showed me how a mother gives everything to her children to give them a better life than she had, even when she’s left with nothing. And most importantly, she taught me to never give up — and without this — I would not be where I am today.

For those who no longer have their mothers with them, this day can carry a quieter, more emotional weight. I recently read a wonderful quote, “Grief and gratitude often live side by side on Mother’s Day,” and that resonated with me.

Mother’s Day can be a difficult time for those who have lost their mothers or are estranged from their kids. It can be a painful reminder of what once was and what could have been. While others are celebrating with their mothers, some feel alone and neglected, left to face the day on their own.

It’s easy to take for granted the steady love of a mother, but this day reminds us to hold it a little closer. No matter how old we get, there’s something grounding about a mother’s voice, her advice or just her presence.

I am also fortunate to have many women in my life – past and present – who have helped shape me with their unique personalities and passions. They have been a source of laughter, wisdom and unconditional love throughout my life. And they’ve never been afraid to deliver a dose of tough love when I needed it.

And, on this Mother’s Day, I’d like to thank all of them, too. And even if you are fortunate enough to still have your mom here with you, I encourage you to find women who fill these roles for you in your life. You won’t regret it.

So, Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms out there. All of you. Tomorrow we honor the moms of all races and ages, all abilities, all walks of life.

Whether your kids are grown, with kids of their own, or whether they are little and you struggle to find time to take a shower — tomorrow is still your day.

Happy Mother’s Day to the moms who have lost babies to miscarriage, or to the women trying so desperately to conceive — we know your heart aches at seeing all the other moms being celebrated on this day. We celebrate you, too. You are one of us.

Here’s to Moms working two and three jobs to provide a safe, warm home for their kids, and to the foster moms who take in children whose own parents can’t take care of them.

To Moms whose children are serving in the armed forces — thank you for raising your children to want to serve their country.

And to the moms who have to work on Mother’s Day as I have had to on many a holiday, I wish you didn’t have to, and I hope you get a nice nap. And a chocolate cake. You deserve it.

Happy Mother’s Day to the moms who advocate tirelessly for their special needs kids. And to the moms praying for a miracle for their sick children, I will say a prayer with you.

To the Moms struggling and just doing the best they can each and every day, trust me, you are good enough.

Happy Mother’s Day to the mom waiting for the phone to ring, waiting to hear her child’s voice on the other end of the line.

We’re never too old to stop needing our Mom, and we will never tire of hearing our children say, “I love you Mom.”

Stacy Wolford is managing editor at the Mon Valley Independent. Reach her at swolford@yourmvi.com.