Mother’s Day 2023

This Mother’s Day I would like to recognize all Moms, and especially Military Moms.

Motherhood is more than bringing a life into the world. It is the passing on of generational knowledge, family values, and physical characteristics to another human who will carry that light forward. Sometimes motherhood means perpetuating generational successes while also breaking generational shortcomings, as you lovingly raise this tiny human to do good in the world. Perhaps the greatest gift of motherhood is teaching a child how to love, by loving them.

I salute Moms who are deployed and missing their children as I missed my grade school aged son while in Iraq. I support Moms who are here caring for children, shouldering so much, while husbands or partners are deployed. I hug the Moms of all soldiers who are deployed, and wishing they could spend this day with their son or daughter. Being the mother of a soldier brings pride but also a sacrifice that deserves our attention and respect. It means not being able to talk to a son or daughter for weeks at a time, and sometimes understanding they are close to danger but not knowing where they are. It requires a level of patience and faith that must be built over time, knowing that their child has agreed to make the ultimate sacrifice in the name of silent freedom.

Today I salute the strength and fortitude of all Moms who quietly fight battles of their own, while doing their best to raise happy children who know they are loved.

~ Aurea