Local mother takes a ‘Mom-ent’ to reflect

THERE is one relationship that holds a prominent influence in a person’s life – the powerful and unconditional bond between a mother and her child is a lifelong connection.

On this day we honour motherhood, maternal bonds and the influence of mothers in society.

Mother’s Day traditionally involves honouring mothers with flowers, cards and other gifts.

Mothers are able to reflect on their motherhood journeys and enjoy the spoils of the occasion.

Mother’s Day was created by Anna Jarvis, whose mother had organised women’s groups to promote friendship and health. On May 12, 1907, she held a memorial service at her late mother’s church and in 1914 Mother’s Day became an official United States holiday.

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Unlike holidays with a set date, Mother’s Day has more to do with a specific day of the week than a specific date. It always falls on the second Sunday in May each year, although it is celebrated on different days in many parts of the world, most commonly in the months of March or May.

This year, Mother’s Day is on Sunday, May 8. Berea Mail asked 4 local mothers to reflect on their motherhood journeys and speak about what it means to them. Their answers will make your heart melt.

Louise Campbell is a Glenwood resident and a mother to two boys. She has been a step-mother to her 16-year-old son Jude for 12 years and a mom to her youngest son, Tau, for 6 years, who was adopted at 18-months-old.

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Campbell said that motherhood was not on her to-do list at the beginning, “I had actually decided I didn’t want children. I was hesitant to give up my life and financial stability as I knew it and I questioned my ability to be a good mother. After having my step son Jude around as a little boy (50% of the time) I realised that it wasn’t so bad after all.”

Campbell was then encouraged by visits to the House of Love and Hope (Holah) Baby House to welcome another child into her life.

“We had been making regular visits to Holah – which made me fall in love with the babies there. We decided to adopt. The misconception of it being difficult to adopt and that your bond would not be the same was entirely disproven. I loved Tau unconditionally since the second I lay eyes on him and always will,” said Campbell.

Campbell said the adoption process was completed in under a year, “Our journey ironically took nine months and had no complications or swollen ankles. From the moment we were deemed ready to adopt till we we got ‘the call’ was only 17 days.”

Campbell’s Mother’s Day is full of special gifts and nuances, “Coffee in bed, flowers and chocolate, but my best is to see how the Mother’s Day card evolves year-on-year. I am always so proud to watch Tau grow, and the Mother’s Day message from Jude is always priceless,” she said.

Her advice to new mothers is to let the little things slide, sometimes, “Listen to them and their needs even if you are exhausted – which I’m also still learning! And don’t feel bad to spend time on yourself and as a couple! It makes you a better mom!”

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