So Grateful for Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day! Today, I have to tell you, I feel a profound sense of gratitude, anticipation, and reflection—three different emotions, all swirling inside me and each so strong. First, I feel such gratitude for my mother, who brought me into this beautiful world and set my feet on a journey that has brought me true joy and my own experiences with motherhood.

Second, I feel great anticipation for my daughter Ashley, who will deliver a son this summer and continue to grow the legacy and role of motherhood in our family. I love being a "nana" and have great joy for the grandchildren already in my life and the many more (hopefully!) that will come. What a blessing they are! I have always said that the definition of success for me is that my children and grandchildren will want to be near me. There is simply no greater achievement than a family that loves each other and wants to be together. In fact, each Sunday is "mother's day" because that's the day we always gather to share dinner and conversation—I anticipate each of these gatherings with eagerness and savor them with peace.

And third, I feel a strong sense of reflection today for what it means to be a mother. I know so many women—and admire so many—who are terrific mothers despite being very different people. Some work outside the home and lead with great determination and the ability to multi-task. Others stay at home with their children and make sacrifices and commitments to do so. Some of my friends are clever, their homes bursting with crafts, culinary masterpieces, and engaging ideas. Others eat out, buy instead of make, and choose to spend their efforts on family recreation or travel. Some read to their children. Others prefer throwing a frisbee in the yard with the kids. And some of the great "mothers" that I know do not have children at all—and yet they are inspiring examples of nurturing, patience, and a love that helps others, young and old, to find their way.

So perhaps, that's what it is to be a mother: to care more about someone else's growth than your own. To all of you who are mothers, and for the many "mothers" I've had in my life, the many I know and love, and the many more whom I don't, I salute you, admire you, love you. Each and every one!