Mama… Mom… Ma… Madre… Mamacita…

What’s your calling?

As the infantile cries emerge from dusk until dawn, the unspoken pound of a mother’s intuition is innate… inherent… oh naturelle. From the first sign of life in development, that bloodline flow of energy is radiating through your womb, through your heart, through your limbic system, where all of your emotional bonds lay. You made the thoughtful decision to accept God’s plan for you, for the rest of your life. A ten-month maximum is the sentence of procurement, earning you the greatest love you’ll ever know, earning you the greatest name you’ll ever be called, Mommy… Madre… Mamacita… Mama… Mom… Ma… Legally, your title is Mother. Through tears, joy and pain…you’re Mommy of many names. You’re the wake-up call. You’re the strength in their eyes. You’re the pillow while they dream. You’re the voice in their ears. You’re the tissue to their discomfort. You’re the lioness battling their fears. You’re the sounding board to their concerns, comments and jokes. You’re their sunshine during any storm. You’re their example. You’re the star on their wall. You are THAT Mother!

You are my sunshine!

Motherhood feels like the rising of the sun. How does that correlate you may ask? The beauty of the sun gives you full calm as it illuminates from the transition of the night’s sky during its rise. Sunrise offers mental ease, clarity, excitement and new beginnings. The love a mother offers her child each day feels the same. Each day the routine is clear. Mothers evaluate the wellbeing of their children and act when necessary. Mothers provide emotional and physical demands on key. Mothers pray over their children as they tuck them into bed at night then carve out moments of peace. Mothers lead with the understanding that what we didn’t have today, we’ll put more effort into what tomorrow brings. As the sun reaches peak position in the sky, its rays radiate, surrounding and warming you like a blanket. A child’s happiness offers a mother that same warmth time after time. In the same effect, a mother’s warmth offers a child comfort and security. In her arms and in her thoughts, she thinks, “They’re all mine”.

What happens when the sun stings?

Sometimes the sun’s rays surpass tolerable temperature, and you have to hide or take cover. Every day of motherhood is not always a warm blanket. It can be a furnace, and you’ll need to water down your child’s feelings and yourself to prevent a burn. Sunscreen equates to meaningful conversations. The temperature is hot, but you’ll get through it with grace, understanding and, of course, some protection. Summer sun is different than winter sun. At each stage of development, your child is someone different and so are you. You’re both growing at different speeds and at different angles. Sometimes the clouds block the sun and you cannot radiate between one another. Does that mean that the line is broken? No. Does that mean each other’s presence disappears? No. Sometimes, we have the tendency to shield ourselves from what appears as pain, disconnection, or downright anger. We have the audacity and curiosity to peak around to test the waters, just as the sun does from around the clouds. In time, the clouds will clear. The rays will beam. The lines of warmth become unbothered and continuous, just as it should on a warm sunny day, regardless of the season.

What do you do when the sky is missing the sun?

Sometimes you find yourself in an empty field surrounded by nothing but air… no rays… no clouds… no noise…just you. Being a part of this world without motherly radiation due to trauma and/or drama can make you feel alone and unworthy of the sun’s warmth. That’s a hurtful feeling that takes time and healing that no man, location or material thing can provide. Unfortunately, you’ll need to be your own ray of sunshine for a bit of time. Healing starts with self. Love yourself greater than the thought of you not having someone that provides you with comfort, guidance and security. If your bloodline never connects to your level of authenticity, remember that you too are the sunshine and your rays can affect others down the line. It’s okay now and it’ll be okay then. At a point in your life, you’ll meet an elder or a group of women that’ll provide you with a level of consistency and solace you’ve never known before. Always lean into the light of things instead of the dark and realize that you’re never truly alone. Be prepared to radiate your good into this unfiltered world, untethered by the unknown.

Understand Mom before her Sun sets.

Until you know HER story, you’ll never truly know YOUR story. Having that motherly connection is a want that sometimes feel like a need, but let me tell you something… As sad as it is, one day, everyone will be without a mother in their lifetime. It will always turn into a need. You’ll never be ready to see or mentally let her go, regardless of how weak or strong your bond is. You don’t want anything left unspoken. You want your feelings to be pure and honest; however you recognize them to be. You’ll learn to understand who Mom was to herself independent FROM you. What were her hopes? What did she dream about? Do you know all of her accomplishments? What did she want for you? You’ll learn to understand what version of herself she presented TO you. What was her favorite vacation and why? What made Mom smile? Did she like to dance, skate or cook? Take inventory of all things Mom when you can. If your connection is wavering and you have time to strengthen it, please do. When Mom’s sun sets for the final time, you don’t want any regrets. If Mom was the sun in your story, let her memory radiate through the rest of your life, as her essence remains in you.

Mothers are to be celebrated. They have a payless occupation not everyone can do. The armor it takes to stand strong and carry this title is heavy and not just between me and you. Mothers stand on the burdens and backs of Mothers that came before them. Mothers are champions in a league of their own, always ready for any bout that comes their way. Respect their decisions, as you may one day have to make your own. Honor their sacrifices. Honor their guidance. Honor their presence. Ultimately, honor their life as they gave you yours.

Shine as bright as
the sun rises!