Today’s post has not one thing to do with fundraising. It’s about serving others.
Each year as I’ve gotten older and Mother’s Day approaches I’ve noticed most people I come into contact with assume I have children.
They are nice enough people. But they seem to lump all women into a category of child-bearers on and around Mother’s Day.
Let me paraphrase from a beautiful NPR story by Michel Martin:
Today I say thank you to those who are not raising their own children but are often helping to raise everyone else’s.
We are not childless or childfree. We are aunties, friends, sisters, and caregivers.
Many of us are special agent moms — you could call us mothers without a portfolio — but mothers at heart.
So if you have someone in your life who has:
- Cared for you simply because of the joy they feel by doing it
- Loved deeply and unconditionally
- Worked to make your world and their community a better place (That’s YOU, Jodi!)
- Made you, your spouse, or your children laugh and feel special
- Helped build something unique and helpful (a company or a garden!)
Thank them for their gifts of love, kindness, and support.
From me to you: Wishing you and yours a relaxing Sunday!
I really enjoy getting all of your emails but this one really moved me on so many levels. I’m a mother myself and I share your feelings about mother’s day and also Canada’s new-ish “Family Day” – what about those who don’t have children or spouses? Does this holiday not celebrate those who choose their own families amongst their loved ones? It should.
I love this reminder that everyone has the potential to be a caregiver and likely many are caregivers to those around them without ever being celebrated (they do it simply for the joy f doing it). Thanks for always finding thoughtful and intelligent ways to help us all ‘keep it real’ in our work and our lives.
Thank you for your kind and thoughtful words, Stephanie!
I love this. I got the complete opposite sentiment from my sister last night and went to bed heartbroken and tearful. I wish more people would embrace this sentiment, it would make us aunts, sisters, etc who truly spend so much time, energy and money loving and caring for other people’s kids feel just a little appreciated.
Oh, PJ! I’m so sorry for one second of heartbreak and tears. YOU do important work. And YOU are making a huge difference in anyone’s life you come into contact with — especially any children!
Unfortunately, my family doesn’t recognize my contributions on or around Mother’s day either. It’s all about the Mom’s in our family. Just know, I get it and so do the 30 others who sent me emails after the blog was posted last week! 🙂
Wishing you a terrific day!
Thank you Lori! Lots of love to you and all the other “mothers without children” who can relate to this.