Dear Mothers,
You are my friends, my peers, my patients, and my mentors, and I want to celebrate you today!
Whether you are a biological mother or not, Mother’s day can be pregnant (see what I did there?) with a lot of emotion. I want to take a moment to share my gratitude for all that you carry and to, hopefully, allow you to feel validated. As moms, we have one of the paradoxically most thankless and yet deeply rewarding jobs in the world. Statistically, we pour so much of ourselves into our families, that we will have a shorter lifespan than our non-mother, female counterparts. But I believe that the life of a mother can be the richest life of all, and so I have a few encouraging words for you.
For those of you celebrating your very first mother’s day with a newborn this year, congratulations! Enjoy all of the precious moments that loving a cuddly newborn brings.
For those of you doing the logistical gymnastics of T-ball, family dinner, permission slips and laundry to keep your family and household afloat, I applaud you and am right there with you, Sister.
For those of you who have lost a child, whether through miscarriage or other circumstances, I mourn with you. Let us recognize that loss will always shape you but that there is something beautiful on the horizon.
For those of you who are struggling with infertility–those of you who feel broken and betrayed by your body, I see you. I am hoping for a bright future for you and your family, whatever path ultimately leads to a fulfilling family for you.
For those of you who are single moms, I commend your strength and resilience. Stay strong!
For those of you who are foster moms and adoptive moms, thank you for loving that child as your own.
For those of you who are mourning the loss of your own mother today, I encourage you to reflect on the special qualities that she possessed and consider how you can honor her legacy.
For those of you who have given up a child for adoption, I commend your bravery in what was likely an impossible situation.
For all of you moms out there—in whatever capacity you serve as a mother figure, know that you are loved and appreciated today and always. Be encouraged, be empowered, and maybe even treat yourself to a well-deserved fancy coffee.
Much love,
Dr. Rooney
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