Motherhood is embracing that your heart is now beating outside of your body, and learning how to keep breathing, anyway. -Megan Minutillo

When it all feels too heavy, too hard,

you are the first one I call.

When my heart is rejoicing, needing to be seen,

you are the first one I call.

There have been many who have shaken me to the core,

each of the greats in my life, women standing tall.

Mothers, aunties, mentors, and guides,

their wisdom flows through my veins like a waterfall.

Some have given birth, some have not,

yet many have nurtured souls to grow.

It is these women who have shaped me,

molded my heart, helped me know.

Today I celebrate all who mother—

those who birthed life into being,

and those who stepped into nurturing roles,

their love and guidance worth seeing.

To the women who do the endless duty,

and those who choose different paths but still guide,

you are the foundation of who I’ve become,

in your strength and wisdom, I take pride.

For motherhood lives in countless forms,

beyond the bounds of blood and birth.

Today I honor all women who nurture—

your love has given my life its worth.

The ones I have birthed, thank you

for giving life the full spectrum of experience,

witnessing parts of my heart out living in the world, through your own perspectives, your own essence.

Thank you for giving me the opportunity, experience, and love of being mother!

“A mother’s love is the fuel that enables a normal human being to do the impossible.” -Marion Garrett