Happy Mother’s Day wishes – A Toast to All Women

As Mother’s Day approaches once more, I feel a familiar warmth settle in my heart. This day is traditionally set aside as a profound tribute to the women who bore us, raised us, and provided the foundation for our lives. But this year, I feel compelled to broaden that definition, to push past the traditional boundaries of biology and blood, and to celebrate the true, universal spirit of nurturing. This Mother’s Day, I want to extend a heartfelt appreciation to every woman—and indeed, anyone—who has positively impacted the life of a child or cultivated an environment of care and growth. Motherhood, I believe, is defined by the depth of commitment, not the technicality of birth.

The Diverse Paths to Nurturing

When we look closely, we see that the path to ‘motherhood’ is beautifully diverse. It is a testament to the power of choice and unconditional love.

I celebrate every birth mother who made the brave, selfless choice of adoption, ensuring her child found a loving home. I honor the surrogates who nurtured life for others, the foster mothers who open their hearts and homes, and the single mothers who courageously embody both parental roles, juggling the demands of providing, protecting, and comforting all at once.

As Richard Bach eloquently wrote, “The bond that links your true family is not one of blood, but of respect and joy in each other’s life.” That respect and joy are evident in the tireless efforts of stepmoms who lovingly embrace their blended families, and the grandmothers and great-grandmothers who generously share their love, wisdom, and invaluable perspective.

The Spirit of Caregiving

But the spirit of motherhood extends far beyond raising literal children.

I want to acknowledge the dedicated women whose nurturing spirit flows out into the world. This includes the devoted pet moms who cherish their furry companions like children, offering boundless love and structure to their little families. It extends to the aunts who lovingly fill the role of second mothers, the devoted caregiver moms who selflessly look after elders or those in need, and the professionals who shape young minds.

To the nurse moms providing healing and comfort, and the teacher moms and mentors who inspire and educate—you are nurturing the future, and your dedication is a profound form of maternal love. And yes, I must also express deep gratitude for the dads who wholeheartedly embrace both parental roles, showing us that love and care know no gender.

Holding Space for Complexity and Pain

Mother’s Day is also complicated for many, and true celebration requires acknowledgment of the pain that often accompanies the day.

I hold deep respect for the incredible strength and unwavering resilience of the women who have faced the heart-wrenching loss of a child. To those who yearn for motherhood but have been unable to achieve it, I see your pain, and I recognize the deep, quiet strength you carry.

My thoughts are also with those celebrating Mother’s Day without the comforting presence of their own mothers. To those whose mothers have passed away, and to your mothers who are now in heaven, we cherish their memory—the comfort they provided, the lessons they taught, and the legacy of love they left behind.

And finally, to the mothers who are experiencing the unique ache of estrangement from their children, or the mothers in retirement and nursing homes who might feel lonely today—you are absolutely in my thoughts and prayers. Your contributions are priceless, and your worth is unwavering.

Ultimately, motherhood—in its broadest, most beautiful definition—is an act of endless giving, resilience, and compassion. It is a powerful force that sustains the world.

To all the wonderful, resilient, and loving people who nurture others in any capacity—I hope you have a truly special and joyful Mother’s Day. You truly deserve it.