Mother’s Day holds meaning and emotions for us all. Is any role more complex or demanding than “mother”? They are tasked as providers, caregivers, supporters, nurturers, heroes, and so much more. To celebrate Mother’s Day, we are featuring several different perspectives.
Mykael Holloway: On being a justice-impacted mother
Motherhood is the one title that never fades, no matter where life takes you. Mistakes, struggles, and second chances may shape your journey, but they do not define your worth as a mother. The world may see labels, but your child sees love, sacrifice, and resilience. You won’t always be who you were in your hardest moments, but you will always be a mother! Guiding, nurturing, and proving that redemption is real. Your past does not disqualify you from being present; it empowers you to love harder, dream bigger, and break cycles for the ones who matter most.
Tamara Winfrey-Harris: On being a “bonus” mom
At my stepson’s wedding reception last year, during the mother-son dance, he first took his mom for a spin around the dance floor and then extended his hand to me.
I have always been ambivalentabout motherhood. While I thoroughly enjoy little ones and take pride in my role as a “cool auntie,” I have never experienced a strong desire for biological children. But I met and married a wonderful man with two children—a boy, 6, and a girl, 9. I became a “bonus mom.” Those children are mine, even though I didn’t give birth to them. Family is more than biology and real love is expansive.
Parenting is hard work, no matter the situation. And stepparenting comes with the extra challenge of finding your place in a complicated tangle of existing relationships—between the children and their biological parents and between your partner and their former partner. The landmines are many. And there is always that hovering narrative of stepmothers as cackling, evil interlopers. But complication is often where you find the good stuff in life.
Love blossoms, in part, because of the happy times like family road trips and T-ball games and graduations, but it really strengthens during the harder times—the late-night
fevers and teenage mistakes and frank discussions between co-parents trying to do what is right.
It has been a journey. And on the wedding day of our youngest, standing beside my husband and the children’s mother—I was reminded again how grateful I am for the experience and for our family.
Gerri Pagach: On being a daughter
Being a daughter has been a journey of love, growth, and connection. As the first daughter in an extended family full of boys, I was spoiled. However, I also learned to navigate life among them, gaining strength, kindness, and resilience. Being a daughter means showing up through tough times, sometimes carrying the load, other times leaning on support. These experiences helped me find my voice and embrace my identity as a daughter and, later, as a mom. I’ve learned the balance of receiving and giving love, discovering more about myself each year. My mom taught me love, strength, and support, and I hope my daughter embodies these qualities.
Bekah Corwin: On being a dog mom
I know what you’re thinking: is a dog mom a kind of mom? From my perspective, yes. I always knew a dog would be out there waiting for me when I was ready. They provide joy and unconditional love, but they depend on you for everything. And to me, mothering means giving selflessly. Adopting Royal, a now 18-pound bundle of energy, allows me to nurture in a way that teaches me more about myself. In the words of author Dean Koontz: “Petting, scratching, and cuddling a dog could be as soothing to the mind and heart as deep meditation and almost as good for the soul as prayer.”
This article was published within the November 2024 issue of the Women’s Fund’s Diane magazine.
