With Mother's Day just around the corner, I thought to collect the perspective of the 3 generations of mother's within my very own family. As the middle child of a mother of 5 (now grown up) children, I have, over the years, been able to observe the courage, strength, sacrifice, beauty and love of motherhood. Looking at it from the outside in, I've realized it is a truly beautiful experience to be able to raise a tiny human and provide them the resources, whether they be physical, emotional or spiritual, to grow up and evolve into the person you helped them become.
Below, we are sharing tidbits of motherhood from my grandmother, Alicia, my mother, Brenda (Founder of Olivespa), and my sister, Estelle. Enjoy.
From The Great Grandmother - Alicia
"Let me begin by saying motherhood is not an easy job but it is the best job in the whole world. Becoming a mother changes your life. In an instant you know that your goal is to protect them, love them and be there for them no matter what age. They become the most important people in your life. There are tears, laughter and joy but watching them grow and learn and then becoming intelligent, responsible adults makes your heart sing. There is no stronger love than a mother’s love for her children. Becoming a mother is the most precious gift I have ever received. Motherhood is a wonderful feeling.
P.S. Becoming a Grandmother is even better!
P.S.S. Becoming a Great Grandmother is AMAZING!!"
From The Grandmother - Brenda
"Once you have children, your life is no longer about you. You live for, and through, your children; hurt when they hurt, laugh when they laugh, love when they love, rejoice when they rejoice. You take on multiple roles including teacher, driver, cheerleader, cook, baker, cleaner, story-teller, poet and any other myriad jobs required to raise this little human being. Mothering never stops, no matter what age or stage in life, mothers will be there to help stop the hurt, commiserate with, lend an ear, comfort or just be there to hang out with. There is no greater love than a mother has for her child, and I am so grateful to have had this experience 5 times over!"
From The Mother - Estelle
"In the past 16 months I have learned that being a mom is the hardest job in the entire world, and I was once a Kindergarten teacher, so that is saying A LOT. Being a mom is about total transformation of oneself and putting any wants or needs of another being ahead of yours, all day and every day. Motherhood is 100 percent self-sacrifice. But somehow also feeling so happy and pleased to do it. My life has changed dramatically, no more sporadic hangouts, happy hours, or nights on the town. Instead, I get a good 6 diaper changes a day, the random gift of a 2+ hours nap, and the beloved bath and bed routine. My world has shifted, a complete axis tilt away from what it used to be, but I would not change it for anything in the entire universe.
Being a mom is learning that there is an infinite amount of love that I can give another human being. An amount that is unexplainable and reaches no limits, that before, I never knew existed inside of me. I hope all of this warms your heart. Wishing you and your mothers all a very Happy Mother's Day!"
With Love, Joey Rea
Check out our Mother's Day Gift Guide here.
*This is a reshare from an older blog post*