As we approach Mothers’ Day this Sunday, I would like to share an adaptation of a powerful prayer composed by writer Amy Young. I was moved by the way the prayer names and calls attention to the varied spectrum of experiences within a religious community when it comes to mothering and being mothered. I hope some of these words resonate with you wherever you are this year and that you will remember that your unique story matters. On this Shabbat of Erev Mothers’ Day, may you know that you are seen, known and loved as you are.
To those who gave birth this year to a child – we celebrate with you.
To those who lost a child this year – we mourn with you.
To those who are in the trenches with little ones every day and wear the badge of food stains – we appreciate you.
To those who experienced loss this year through miscarriage, termination of a pregnancy, failed adoptions, or running away-we mourn with you.
To those who walk the hard path of infertility, fraught with pokes, prods, tears, and disappointment – we walk with you.
To those who are foster moms, mentor moms, and spiritual moms – we need you.
To those who have warm and close relationships with your children or mother – we celebrate with you.
To those who have disappointment, heart ache, and distance with your children or mother – we sit with you.
To those who lost their mothers this year – we grieve with you.
To those who experienced abuse at the hands of your own mother – we acknowledge your experience.
To those who lived through driving tests, medical tests, and the overall testing of motherhood – we are better for having you in our midst.
To those who will have emptier nests in the upcoming year – we grieve and rejoice with you.
To those who are pregnant with new life, both expected and surprising, and those expecting a new addition to your family -we anticipate with you.
This Mothers’ Day, we walk with you, we honor your resilience and we remember you.