Letter from the editor
From a very young age, I understood that being a mom was one of life’s most important and admirable roles. I couldn’t wait to become one myself. At age 3, I would spend hours pushing my two Siamese cats up and down the sidewalk in a baby stroller. I was a mom in training.
As I got older (and the cats became less cooperative), I moved on to stuffed animals and baby dolls. Then in my teen years, I became an aunt and also began babysitting for neighbors. At 26, I thought I was ready to become a mother. But nothing could have prepared me for the moment the nurse placed my newborn son in my arms. It was love at first sight—the deepest, most unconditional love I had ever known.
A couple of years later, my twin daughters were born. My heart felt so full, I thought it might burst. My hands were full too—juggling diapers, bottles, car seats and sleepless nights. There were times, especially during the “terrible twos” and teenage years, when motherhood felt exhausting and thankless.
I know my own mom felt that way, too. As a teenager, I often looked at her with disdain, convinced she didn’t understand me or the world I lived in. I was so wrong. Luckily, she became wise again the moment I became a mother myself. She was there for me, and loved my children as deeply as I did. No matter what I needed, she was always willing to listen and lend a hand.
Now, 30 years later, my father has passed, and she found herself alone for the first time. It’s been a year and a half since then, and I’ve spent nearly every day with her since. I hope she knows I have her back now—just as she always had mine.
As I care for my mom, I’ve watched my daughters step up with love and thoughtfulness in ways that are new and deeply moving. And just like that, the circle continues.
Joni Mitchell said it best in “The Circle Game:”
And the seasons, they go ’round and ’round
And the painted ponies go up and down
We’re captive on the carousel of time
We can’t return, we can only look behind
From where we came
And go ’round and ’round and ’round
In the circle game
A mother’s love. A child’s love. Life’s greatest gifts—treasure them.
Wishing all the mothers, grandmothers and expectant mothers a happy and blessed Mother’s Day.
Peace & Love,
Cindy
