For many, celebrating all forms of motherhood on Mother’s Day means honoring the women who have shaped us, nurtured us, and loved us unconditionally. But for some of us, this day can be a complicated one, filled with both joy and sadness. It’s a time when we reflect not only on the beauty of motherhood but also on the pain of longing, of waiting, and sometimes, of grief.

For me, Mother’s Day always carried an element of sadness. I spent over a decade navigating the heartache of miscarriages, followed by three long years of IVF treatments through the pandemic. There were moments when I wondered if my turn to become a mother would ever come. Those feelings of uncertainty and loss could have overshadowed the day, but instead of focusing on what I didn’t have, I chose to embrace the maternal love that was already within me.

I indulged the motherly side of myself by being the best aunt I could be to my amazing nephew and nieces. I found that the joy of nurturing, loving, and supporting children wasn’t limited to biological motherhood. In doing so, I came to realize something even more profound—celebrating all forms of motherhood means recognizing that it exists in aunts, friends, teachers, and anyone who selflessly puts a child’s well-being above their own. In fact, it was loving my nephew (the guy in the photo above) that made me realize how much I wanted to be a mom. It was his love and our bond that dedicated me to the path that finally led to my daughter. I guess what they say is true, love grows love.

Honoring the Mothers Around Us

I also began celebrating the strength, resilience, and love of the mothers around me. I looked to the moms in my life, including my own mom, my mother in law (aka Momma), my sister in laws, my aunts (especially my husband’s favorite: Aunt Debbie), and close friends. I recognized that Mother’s Day didn’t just have to be about my journey; it could also be a celebration of the journeys of others. It became a day to honor all the women who have shown me what it means to love unconditionally.

Motherhood Takes Many Forms

Motherhood comes in many forms, and each path is unique. There are biological mothers who bear children of their own, adoptive mothers who provide love and stability to children who need them, and those who care for others in a motherly way without the label of “mom.” Celebrating all forms of motherhood means recognizing the love they give, the sacrifices they make, and the role they play in nurturing those around them.

Turning Pain into Purpose

In the midst of my own struggles, I found comfort in lifting others up. By celebrating the innate ability of mothers to love, I found that I could turn a difficult day into something meaningful. The act of celebrating those around me allowed me to embrace the love and joy that comes with motherhood, even if it wasn’t yet my turn to experience it. It was an act of hope—a reminder that motherhood is not a one-size-fits-all experience, but one that transcends time, circumstance, and even our own expectations.

A Broader Perspective on Mother’s Day

As I reflect on my journey now, I realize that Mother’s Day isn’t just for those who are mothers in the traditional sense. Celebrating all forms of motherhood means honoring all women who nurture, care, and love. It’s a reminder that maternal love exists in so many forms, and that even if we are still waiting, still hoping, or still finding our way, we are still part of something beautiful.

Celebrating the Love That Connects Us

This Mother’s Day, I invite you to celebrate not just your own journey, but the journeys of all the mothers around you. Let’s lift each other up, honor the love we give, and rewrite the narrative of Mother’s Day as one of inclusivity, support, and gratitude for the amazing women in our lives—whether or not they have children of their own. Celebrating all forms of motherhood makes this a day to cherish the love that connects us all.