Mother.
She knows how to turn the knob so the door closes quietly.
Mother.
She knows the bone tired feeling when her head hits the pillow after a feeding only to soon be woken again with another need.
Mother.
She knows their cries. She can pick their "mama" out of a full room.
Mother.
She knows every birthmark, scar, and misplaced freckle.
Mother.
She has known the elation of seeing two lines and the heartbreak of a loss.
Mother.
She has felt the burning in her throat after a temper lost and the humility of being the one who needs to offer an apology.
Mother.
She can prepare so thoroughly for an outing in a way no one else can.
Mother.
She experiences the full joy of theirs, and simultaneously the full burden of their sorrows.
Mother.
She has seen negative after negative, with an unfulfilled desire year after year.
Mother.
She knows the inner rage felt whenever the thought comes of anyone else hurting the one you would give your life for.
Mother.
The journey of motherhood is unique. It is sacred. It is selfless. It is refining. May we recognize the privilege, the honor, and the responsibility of raising the next generation.
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