~*~Being A Mother ~*~

[prinzesstephi]

               We call them Mom, Mommy, Mum, or Momma.  We have many different names to title the female parent.  The medical definition for being a mother is to a woman was pregnant and gave birth to a child.  The legal definition of a mother is a woman who has legal custody of a child.  Some mothers are defined as birth mothers, others as step or adoptive mothers, and still others as surrogate mothers.  I believe that a mother has nothing to do with the biological act of birthing an infant, but instead is defined as having an undying, self-sacrificing love and ability to put your child above all else. 

                Some of the many things that define a woman as being a mother are her ability to put herself second, and to start acting selflessly in order to provide her child's safety, happiness, and security.  The most common way to do this is to give birth, foster, or adopt your own child.  You make a self sacrificing choice to set aside your own selfish lifestyle in order to provide for a child physically, emotionally, and spiritually.  You dedicate yourself to your child wholly and without resentment.  However, the most important thing that being a mother represents is love.

                The love of a mother can be represented in many different ways.  It can be shown in the act of taking care of a child, day after day, doing the monotonous things a mother does such as laundry, cooking, bathing, and tucking a child in at night.  It can be shown by working, or going to school, in order to provide the physical necessities of the child.  It can also be shown by realizing that you cannot care for the child the way he or she deserves, and loving the child enough to let him or her go to parents that can love, protect, and cherish the child the way he or she needs.  Sometimes, being a good mother means they know when to let go.

                A good mother doesn't need to shout to everyone who will listen that they are a mother.  Real mothers seek advice when needed, understand that they need help, but always put their child's needs first.  They don't use their child as a tool for getting attention, or as a weapon against another person.  A true mother raises their child based on their child's needs, and not their own.  Mothers don't abandon or neglect their children.  Mothers don't intentionally hurt their children or think of their children as a burden.  Real mothers treasure their children and understand that decisions made about their children should be for their children. Real mothers don't need to be told that their mothers, because they already know. 

                Although there are many women in this world that consider themselves mothers, there are a few who, by my definition, are not.  However, the vast majority of mothers are.  They are mothers who are cuddling their newborn, scolding their two year old, and teaching their four year old to tie a shoe.  They're the ones that cry on their child's first day of school, and are waiting for them afterwards to help with homework and hurt feelings.  They're the ones that help mend broken hearts and reassure their child that they're going to be okay.  They're the ones that when the child is grown, are still standing in the background, encouraging their children to succeed.  And if they don't, they're the ones that are there to help their child to pick up the pieces and try again.  Real mothers know that being a mother is a full time job.  Real mothers know that being a mother is a blessing. 

[AudlyLuvly]

Jan. 30, 2010 at 6:41 PM

I've read this a few times now, and each time i like it better :D

[mmatlock1977]

Jan. 30, 2010 at 9:51 PM

So true. Very nice. But we're not perfect. We still slip up sometimes. I tell my kids all the time, I still make mistakes but if u learn from them is what makes the difference. GO MOMS!!

[Lb128f]

Jan. 30, 2010 at 10:53 PM

You are right...being a Mom is a blessing!

[vallchick]

Jan. 31, 2010 at 4:17 AM

Well done :)