You Only Have One Mother

I believe that's a common saying, right? "You only have one mother." Of course, to an extent, that is true. However, over the course of my life I have met many women who I categorize, in my head, as "Also My Mother". Yes, I have "one mother" and I love her dearly. We may not have always been as close as we are now, but she is my one and only. She was and always will be "Mommy" to me, even though she is now really "Grandma".

But, like I said, I have more than one "mother". This may sound weird to some people, I am well aware of that, but it's just how things work in my head. All of my friends who are moms, whether they are older than me or not, are "also my mom". They have all had different life experiences than I have, relating to motherhood or not, and so, they all have had or do have something to teach me. The mothers of the men and women I dated before I got married (whether I still keep in touch with them or not.. most of them not), they are "also my mom" for the same reason. My mother-in-law is "also my mom". Most importantly, they have all, in some way or another, helped shaped the person I am right this very moment, regardless of how short or long a time I have known them.

I can only hope to be as much of a mom as I feel they are. Because, they are not just moms to their children. They are moms to all children. Their hearts, their arms, and their homes are always open.

And, that's what I want to be. It may sound crazy and overwhelming to some, but it sounds perfect to me. I want my kid's friends to know that they will always have a place with us if they need it. I don't need to try and be a "cool mom". I just want to be "also a mom" to anyone who needs it.

I feel like, once you become a mom, you are a mom to everyone. You never just stop being a mom. The minute your first baby is born, that's it. You are "mom". I don't mean to say that you can't also be "wife" or just.. You. It's just that motherhood completely changes you. You have this tiny human to care for and protect. They can't fend for themselves, so you must. And that never stops. Yes, they become more capable and more independent as they grow, but that feeling will never go away.

It isn't like this is a huge revelation for me. I know my mother feels exactly this way about all four of her children. I just never really understood it until now.