Celebrating Mothers

For 23 extraordinary years, I have had the unparalleled privilege of being a mother to four incredible souls. Each year has been a testament to love, resilience, and growth, but this past Mother’s Day was a revelation—an unforgettable symphony of love, gratitude, and empowerment. It wasn’t just a day; it was a celebration of the journey I’ve travelled, the values I’ve instilled, and the profound connection I share with the remarkable individuals I’ve raised.

This year, I felt truly seen—not just as a mother but as a woman, a guide, and a pillar of strength. My children didn’t just honour me; they elevated me in a way that affirmed my worth and left me deeply moved. They asked me what I would cherish, and instead of a meal out, I requested something homemade, personal, and filled with love. And they delivered with grace, creativity, and thoughtfulness beyond anything I could have imagined.

The day began with a breakfast that was more than food—it was love on a plate. Fresh juice, a perfectly crafted omelette, French toast, and thoughtful touches made me feel cherished. My eldest daughter gave me a creative masterpiece of a gift, an expression of her heart and artistry. My youngest son, with his tender spirit, presented me with a book brimming with words of love and gratitude that touched my soul. And to top it off, my children took charge of the entire day, giving the nanny a well-deserved break and showing me what teamwork, care, and dedication can achieve.

The evening was a crescendo of celebration, with a home-cooked steak cooked to perfection with a side of asparagus, mushroom sauce, and a homemade apple crumble from my youngest daughter—each bite infused with love, effort, and the joy of making me feel special.

This Mother’s Day was not just a milestone; it was a triumph. My first as a divorced woman, it stood as a testament to the battles fought and the resilience reclaimed. Two years ago, I was a different person, silenced and stripped of recognition by words that cut to my core: “Mother’s Day is not my responsibility. It’s your kids’ responsibility.”

Those words didn’t just dismiss me—they tried to erase me. They ignored the sleepless nights when I held my children close, the sacrifices I made without hesitation, the financial burdens I carried independently, and the unyielding love that defined my every decision. They sought to reduce my worth, to make me invisible in the life I had worked tirelessly to build.

But they failed.

That moment, though excruciating, broke something in me—but it also lit a fire. I realized I had a choice: remain diminished or rise. And so, I chose to rise.

I refused to let those words define me. Instead, I used them as fuel to rediscover my strength, my purpose, and my unshakable identity.  It wasn’t about wanting flowers or fanfare. It was about being seen. Being valued. Being respected. Instead, I was rendered invisible—a supporting character in the story I had sacrificed so much to build.

This Mother’s Day, I celebrated not just the love I pour into my children but the woman I have become. A woman who has walked through fire and emerged stronger. A woman who no longer seeks validation from anyone but herself. My worth is woven into the legacy I am building for my children—a legacy of courage, self-respect, and limitless possibility.

For my daughters, I am a living example of what it means to claim your power. They will know their voices cannot be silenced, their value cannot be questioned, and their dreams cannot be limited.

This year, my children reminded me of my strength and the power of unconditional love. They celebrated me not because they had to, but because they wanted to. Their gestures spoke louder than words, affirming the lessons I’ve taught them about gratitude, respect, and the importance of lifting others up.

To every spouse: Mother’s Day is more than a date on the calendar. It’s an opportunity to honour the tireless devotion, sacrifices, and love that mothers pour into your families. Recognize the mother of your children as you would your own mother, for she is shaping the future with her hands, her heart, and her hope.

To mothers everywhere: Stand tall in your journey. Know that your love, patience, and resilience are transformative forces. Your efforts ripple through generations, shaping the world in ways both seen and unseen.

For me, motherhood has been a journey of boundless love, yes, but it’s also a path of growth, sacrifice, and joy. Each phase—from those sleepless nights in infancy to the colourful chaos of the terrible twos and, eventually, the transformative argumentative teenage years—has shaped me in profound ways. My children also see a profound change in me over the years, and the younger two have a different mom in so many ways.

As my children become adults, I find myself filled with gratitude as they now recognize the influence I have had on their lives. It’s an indescribable gift to see them not only acknowledge the bond we share but also celebrate it. I am so proud of my adult daughters, who have now taken flight, thriving as strong members of society. Yet, I realize that the real appreciation for a mother’s effort often comes only once children leave the nest. I wish my younger two could feel the same sense of gratitude now as my adult kids, but I trust that they will, in time, as they grow and experience life’s challenges and embark on their own independent journey. That’s the beautiful paradox of motherhood: we often only understand the depth of our parents’ love and sacrifice once we are independent and forging our own paths. Only then do we see what their love does to our soul. This truly is a journey where you must put in the work and expect others to see the fruits of your labour.

Some moments in life don’t just pass by—they mark us, they change us in ways words can hardly capture. There are moments when the love and support of another person break open the walls we’ve built around ourselves, questioning our belief system and giving us to the courage to move forward.  One such moment came last summer, a defining chapter in my life that would forever change how I view love, courage, and the incredible woman who raised me.

It was a time of both liberation and fear. I had come to a difficult decision—one that shook the foundation of my world: I was choosing to end my marriage. In my heart, I knew it was the right choice, but the fear of judgment, family obligations, resistance, and the weight of expectations pressed heavily on me. I braced for the storm of questions, the doubt, the pressure to reconsider. And then, I shared it with my mother, uncertain of what I’d hear.  What I didn’t expect was the overwhelming grace she showed me—the kind of love that didn’t come with a single “why” or “are you sure?” Instead, she simply said, “You are an adult, and I support any decision you make.”

Those words weren’t just words—they were a lifeline. In that moment, I didn’t just hear support; I felt seen in the truest sense. My mother didn’t just accept my decision—she trusted me. She trusted my strength, my wisdom, and my ability to navigate my own life. She wasn’t concerned with tradition, family relations, or the fear that others might impose. She gave me something far more precious: her unshakable support. 

In that moment, my mother became the living embodiment of what true love and empowerment mean. Her love didn’t hold me back—it set me free. And in her unwavering support, I found the strength to chart my own course, knowing that love, when it’s real, doesn’t just accept us—it empowers us to rise.

Her quiet strength spoke louder than any words could, reminding me that true love is not about control or expectation, but about creating space for those we cherish to grow into their truth. In that instant, the heavy burden of doubt and fear I had been carrying alone began to lift. Her faith in me was the spark that ignited an unshakable fire within, propelling me forward with strength and determination. My mother’s love became my sanctuary, showing me that true love liberates—it nurtures authenticity and celebrates the beauty of being unapologetically oneself.

To every mother: Be the unshakable foundation your children can rely on, the sanctuary they seek when life’s storms rage. Be the unwavering light in their darkest moments and the steady hand that lifts them when they falter. Let your love echo through every word and action, making them feel profoundly seen, deeply cherished, and unconditionally supported. Stand with them not only in their triumphs but in their struggles, doubts, and transformations. Show them, through your boundless love, that no matter where life takes them or what paths they choose, they will always have a place to return to—a home where they are embraced, celebrated, and loved for exactly who they are.

Mother’s Day may have come and gone, but the spirit of motherhood is eternal—woven into every act of love, every sacrifice, and every moment of resilience. Let us not confine our gratitude to a single day, but instead, let it flow endlessly, honouring mothers for the profound impact they have on our lives and the world.

Every day is an opportunity to celebrate the strength, grace, and unwavering love of the women who have shaped us. Let us recognize their sacrifices, amplify their voices, and ensure they feel seen, valued, and appreciated—not just in grand gestures, but in the quiet, everyday moments that mean the most.

To every mother: You are the heart of our families, the foundation of our communities, and the architects of futures yet to be imagined. Your love is your legacy, and your impact is immeasurable. Let us carry the spirit of Mother’s Day forward, celebrating you not just for what you do, but for who you are—today, tomorrow, and always. 🌟

Mothers Love

A mother's love is the wind beneath a child's wings, lifting them to heights they never imagined possible. – Faiza Chaudhary