Celebrating and Honoring Mom: A Mother's Day Tribute

5 min read

Every day is a good day to celebrate those who've raised, nurtured, taught, and believed in us. But the second Sunday in May is a special occasion when we have the opportunity to collectively express our love, gratitude, and appreciation for the incredible women who have shaped our lives— whether it be our mothers, stepmothers, adoptive moms, sisters, friends, godmothers, grandmothers, aunts, teachers, and more. 

With Mother's Day only days away, we wanted to dedicate this week's blog post to all the mothers and mother figures out there and reflect on their profound impact on us. A special treat is included below, a carefully curated list of Kume-approved items you can view to shop for thoughtful ways to treat a Mom in your life. 

To those mourning a mother figure or a child, we see you. To those who have painful relationships with their moms, we see you. To those yearning to be mothers, we see you. To those who have chosen to not be a mother, we see you. Be gentle with yourself this weekend.

A Beacon of Unconditional Love:

Mothers possess an unmatched capacity for unconditional love. From the moment we enter this world, they cradle us in their arms and pour their love into our hearts. Their love is a guiding light that remains constant through life's seasons. Mothers teach us the true meaning of love through their affection, shaping our ability to give and receive it. They often demonstrate that love is not limited by time, circumstance, or imperfection but rather an enduring force transcending all boundaries.

My mom's unconditional love is embodied in her continuous affirmation of my personal self-expression and self-determination. She never once prescribed career aspirations or instilled her idea of who my siblings and I should be. Our identities and aspirations did not need to be in her likeness in order to receive her love. She governed our home, but not our journeys. For my mom, raising children who were happy, healthy, confident, and curious was her utmost priority. She encouraged our pursuit of various interests, passions, and self-expression, while helping us to find and see our own unique magic and beauty. My mom created a safe place of love and structure for us so that we could be ourselves in all our glory as we moved out into the world. In this way, my mom's love has always made me feel secure and grounded, but also like I have wings.  

A Source of Endless Support:

A mother's role extends far beyond nurturing and caring for others physically. She might become our life coach, providing guidance and encouragement to help us navigate the complexities of life. Whether we face personal challenges, difficult decisions, or moments of self-doubt, mother figures can lift us up, providing a steady hand and a compassionate ear. Their unwavering belief in our potential empowers us to strive for greatness and reminds us that we are never alone in our journey. 

Growing up, my mom didn't stress about my scores on an exam or what place I finished. The question was always, "Did you do your best," and if I answered yes honestly, then she was happy regardless of the outcome. For my mom, doing my best was the most important thing, and she reminded me that my best would look different every day because our circumstances change daily. But as long as I did my best, my best would get better. I am grateful my mom instilled this mindset in me at a young age. It has enabled me to not cast a shadow of dissatisfaction on my performance or feel like I am not doing well enough. It has taught me that doing your best isn't about success or failure. It is about putting all your energy into whatever life situation you are experiencing.

A Well of Wisdom and Strength:

Mother figures possess wisdom that comes from a deep well of life experiences. They have weathered storms, overcome obstacles, and learned valuable lessons along the way. Their strength and resilience inspire us to face adversity head-on, to persevere in the face of challenges, and to never give up. Their wisdom is a precious gift that we carry with us, shaping our perspectives and guiding our choices long after we leave the nest. 

When I began navigating the hormonal maze of tween years, my mom gifted me with Judy Blume's beloved novel "Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret," a story about the changing body and rites of puberty. My mom had read this coming-of-age story as an adolescent and valued its message. I vividly remember my mom and me reenacting the famous scene where Margaret and her friend do exercises to "get out of those baby bras," chanting, "We must - we must - we must increase our bust!". My mom's playful spirit allowed my 12-year-old self to welcome my changing body with excitement and laughter, release shame and embarrassment around menstruation and burgeoning sexuality, and explore existential questions. Through this book and our ensuing discussions, my mom instilled a sense of agency and choice, similar to what Margaret exercised in the novel. Given today's culture wars, the book's themes of bodily autonomy and message of agency continue to resonate with me beyond the tribulations of girlhood and serve as a reminder of my innate agency. 

A Lifelong Confidant:

Mothers are our first friends who cheer us on and provide comfort during our defeats. They are our confidants with whom we can share our deepest fears, dreams, and secrets. Their presence in our lives creates a sense of security and a safe space where we can be truly ourselves. As we grow older, this friendship evolves into a bond built on mutual respect, understanding, and unwavering support—a bond that transcends the traditional mother-child relationship. 

I share a close bond with my mom because she is someone I feel safe sharing my inner world with. Whether it's a tale of a love interest, a professional endeavor, or even a rejection of something she values, my mom is always receptive to hearing me out. She holds space for my perspective without imparting an immediate opinion or judgment or trying to solve the problem. By listening to me share, she lets me know that what I say, think, and feel matters. My mom has helped me learn to accept myself, ​​soften my rough edges with love, and tend to my wounds with care so that I can live with more peace, joy, and meaning.

We wish a happy Mother's Day to all biological moms, stepmoms, adoptive moms, stand-in moms, chosen moms, aunts, godmothers, grandmothers, sisters, mom friends, and any other woman whose love and guidance we are incredibly grateful for. We are forever thankful for our mother's unconditional love, endless support, wisdom, and friendship, which have been the foundation of our journey. May their love and influence continue to inspire and guide us as we navigate life's beautiful chaos.

Say thank you and I love you–to the moms in your life with beautifully handcrafted and sustainable gifts from INCASA that will elicit joy, admiration, and gratitude.

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