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I remember waking up to the sound of a rooster every morning when my mom and I lived with my grandparents. We would walk out of the room to greet them as they enjoyed their cups of coffee. I didn't understand what they were saying because their morning discussions were primarily in French. However, seeing the two of them together in the morning was warm. They are the reasons I love early mornings. I miss them.
As I grew older, I realized there were some details I didn't appreciate about those morning conversations then. As a 5-year-old, just walking out of the room and seeing them together was good enough for me. Despite being a grandfather's girl, I realized I was amazed mainly by my grandmother as an adult. She was the epitome of what it means to be a mother.
My grandmother woke up before the sun even thought about rising to make their beds, cook breakfast, roast coffee, and get dressed before heading out to work. She woke up before the rooster did. She helped raise her brother, her children, and she helped raise me. She was a loving, nurturing, strong, smart, sassy, and independent woman. She was empathic, loved laughing and singing, and could cut you with her words if you needed tough love. I could never put her in one box. She wouldn't fit in one. Shopping was her "me" time, and she was adamant about having time for herself. She was a collaboration of everything that makes someone special. She was a mom.
I'm so blessed to have witnessed those same qualities in my mom. She taught me that Clark Kent was not the only one who could use superhero powers and save the day. As a single mom, she made things happen. She walked by faith, was good to people, and encouraged everyone she knew. Her faith in God increased over the years, and I watched Him perform and show out in her life and ours. Her dedication to us taught me the power of motherhood. She didn't take much time to nurture herself, but when she did, she was energized to do more for even more people. She loved her people, and it showed. I don't know where we would be without her. Her example of tenacity, endurance, support, and love is why being a mom is my greatest superpower.
Here's what these two women have taught me about the power of motherhood. Whether single or married, you're powerful, strong, and versatile. You can throw on some heels from 9-5 and then come home and still kill it in yoga pants. You can be effective no matter what hat you wear. Your power extends beyond generations. Your contribution to your family tree can bear much fruit so that the generations that follow you can still eat. Your compassion and love can multiply because of the seeds you carry inside. Just make sure you're getting enough sunlight and water to nurture YOU to bear those fruits. Make sure you're rooted and planted, in your life, by water that moves and quenches the thirst of your soul. Remember to take care and mother yourself, too, because we need you. We all do.