For My Mom

Before you become a mom, you are a young girl with a mom. One you probably often think you know more than. One you might roll your eyes at because you’re tired of hearing her unwanted opinions or her telling you for the 14th time in one day to pick up after yourself.

Before you become a mom, you are a young girl who is scared of the dark. So you sneak into your parents' room at night, seeking your mom's comfort. Any chance you get, you steal your mom's makeup, even though she tells you not to. You don’t mean to cause any harm—you know it’s expensive—you just want to look like her.

Before you become a mom, you think your mom has superpowers. You don’t let her know that. You even take it for granted. How does she know how to do everything? How does she make it all happen? Her ability to juggle so many responsibilities seems almost magical. You watch in awe as she handles everything from work to home, always with a smile, always with love.

Before you become a mom, you see her as an endless source of love and guidance. She’s the one who fixes your scraped knees, who listens to your endless stories, who knows exactly how to cheer you up when you’re feeling down. Her hugs are a safe haven, and her voice a calming remedy for your fears. 

Before you become a mom, you are the center of her world. You don’t fully understand the sacrifices she makes, the dreams she might have set aside to ensure you have everything you need. You don’t realize the sleepless nights, the constant worry, the boundless joy and pride she feels watching you grow.

Before you become a mom, you are unaware of the depth of her love. It’s a love that’s fierce and protective, gentle and nurturing. It’s a love that sees you through your worst days and celebrates with you on your best. It’s a love that never wavers, even when you do.

Before you become a mom, you might not fully grasp the strength it takes. The strength to be patient, to be kind, to be present, to be everything you need her to be. You don’t realize the strength it takes to let you go a little bit more each day, to watch you become your own person, to trust that she has given you the tools to navigate the world.

Before you become a mom, you are a young girl with dreams and aspirations. You imagine what your future might look like, what kind of mom you will be. You think about the lessons your mom has taught you, the values she has instilled in you. You hope to be as good a mom as she is, to give your children the same love and support she has given you.

And then one day, you will become a mom. And suddenly, it will all make sense. The late nights, the worry, the unconditional love—it will all become clear. You’ll understand the sacrifices, the strength, the endless love. You’ll realize that being a mom is the most challenging, rewarding, and beautiful journey you will ever embark on.

Before you become a mom, you don’t know the incredible transformation that awaits you. But when you do, you will look back with immense gratitude for the mom who showed you the way, and you will strive to be that guiding light for your own children. Because becoming a mom doesn’t scare you at all, it excites you beyond measure, because you had the best example to follow.