We have no word for women who used to be Mothers… women whose children have died or been taken away, been given up for adoption or lost in divorce.
I was a Mother, though I never gave birth. How many video games and after-school snacks and late-night, tucking-in conversations qualifies one for motherhood? The little man didn’t care. He called me Mom and I was a Mother.
I was a Mother. I touched the sweet, soft skin of his cheek and watched him sleep at night. I picked up his wet towels and laughed with him at the dog’s antics. I helped him fold his clothes and taught him to tie his shoes. We went to the park together.
He taught me that I am softer underneath than anyone imagines, that I can be full of nonsense when no one else is watching, and that frequent hugs are very, very important. We decided, he and I, that a little sugary cereal never killed anyone.
I was a Mother who loved a little too closely, stifled him, made him angry now and then. But he knew I loved him.
I was a Mother with too many rules. “Don’t do this,” and “Let’s stay over this way.” “It’s better like that,” and “How about you try that this way…?”
I was a Mother.
What does that make me now?





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Dear Rebecca. I was captured by the picture and moved by your words. Having a son (is that with an O or an U…? could be both in this case) I can totally relate to what you write. I both feel the love and pain in the sentences you wrote and I just feel like gently saying, that you have experienced something immensely beautiful – love in it´s purest form. I believe in holding on to that part and that pain is `just` another expression of love.. sending you a hug. Warmly Kristoffer
I am so deeply moved that I’m weeping as I type this. You are right, there is not a word in our language for a relationship like this that has passed. Was a mother. Still are a mother. Maybe you will be a mother again in that same traditional way. We are all spiritual mothers with or without a child in particular we are focused on. That is my belief. Peace, Sharon
Thank you, Sharon. Thanks for stopping by, for browsing, for reaching out…