From the Editor: Our Moms

I have probably never said this directly to my Mom or to my Mother-in-law but ever since I got married and had my own kids I have always said to my husband and our daughters, “Mother’s Day is not actually about me. Mother’s Day is really for the Grandmas.” And I have truly felt and believed this! I am not saying that I have not been treated EXTREMELY WELL on Mother’s Day - I have! My girls and their Dad do a good job! My Mother’s Day just feels like sub-text. Like maybe in some way I have not fully “earned” it yet. Maybe that is in part because as a mother, I stand in admiration of the mothers before me. All of them.

I remember being so happy when I first found out I was going to have a baby. The feeling was almost immediately followed by an overwhelming fear that, 1. I would not actually be “able” to give birth, and 2. that I would be a horrible or at least inadequate mother.

I remember when I was a young “working” mom. It seemed that the debate over who had it more difficult and who was doing it right was constantly swirling - working moms vs. stay-at-home moms. One thing is for sure - ALL moms are working moms. I never felt like my choice to work was better or more correct than someone else’s choice - it was simply the situation that I was in. And I was one of the lucky ones (see paragraph one), because my Mom stepped up to provide daycare for my babies so I could work.

It’s not pretty, but as moms we often judge each other. Why? Motherhood is one of the most difficult and most important professions! Shouldn’t we all lift each other up, acknowledging that though we may do it differently we are all just trying to do our best?

So, I did in fact successfully give birth twice. And recently both of said nowadult offspring independently told me that I did a good job raising them and being their mom. There really is no greater compliment. It actually made me cry.

In my life I have been fortunate to hold and experience many, many roles. But none more important and more meaningful than being a mom. And let’s face it - motherhood presents daily opportunities to mess it up! You just have to get more of the days right than not.

So why am I writing about this now? My oldest is about to become a mother herself. And now I will be the grandma. But it still doesn’t really change things in my mind. I might be the grandma, but as a person who is also someone’s child, my greatest gratitude remains for the one who raised me. And as I always have, I will aim to emulate her in my new role. And I guess that is the circle.

Happy Mother’s Day and Thanks for Reading,

Tina Eichner, Editor & Publisher