Whenever I happen to talk to my kids about how they were born and the lovely circumstance of being their mom, I always seem to end up poking them gently in the belly button and saying something to the effect of “this is where you were connected to me once. I brought you here.” It’s such a simple yet direct visual on the relationship mothers have to children at birth but also the larger role Mothers play in the lives of their children.
The belly button is a signature of humanity, a mark of our physical birth, and to me, proof positive that Mothers grew us all- each and every one. There is such a miraculous power in that fact. We all came into this world thanks to a single beautiful woman who took that leap to create something anew. In utero to nursing and bottles and finger food moms put a lot of food on the table. They also ensure comfort limiting the amount of saggy diapers, keeping dirty clothes, faces, and feet at bay, and for every skinned knee, stubbed toe, immunization shot, and personal defeat there’s probably been an equivalent mother’s kiss or tender squeeze to go along with it. Mamas at their best nurture the nature within and tend to a child’s personal growth like a gardener does a plant. It’s a role of hardship, sacrifice, and patience as well as many, many triumphs; the biggest of which, I imagine, is one day watching a child step out full of self sufficiency, confidence, and character into the wild beyond.
If I could give myself a one line job description as a mother it would be that I created my kids and then I work daily to help them grow. When seen in that light, it’s a relationship that hasn’t really changed much from those first murky waters in utero. Have your kids look at their belly buttons today. Look at your own. Let’s all remember how we got here and then run,call, email, pray or whatever you can do and thank HER for it!
Happiest of mother’s days to you all!
xoxo,
Allison