On Mother’s Day…

I never really gave Motherhood much of a thought before I had become a mother myself. I mean, I always tried my best to be appreciative and grateful towards my mother the way any daughter would, I’d buy her the occasional card or gift and thank her whenever I can, believing that it was an adequate token of appreciation for her efforts and I fulfilled my duty.

Now my mother and I, we share a very special bond, I’m her only girl between three other boys and she’s always made it a point to treat me differently, preferentially dare I say. In fact, maybe I grew up a little too self-confident because my mother always told me I’m special BECAUSE I’m a girl, her girl.

But it wasn’t until I dove head first into the crazy/beautiful journey of motherhood that I began to even comprehend what it takes to commit your entire being to the care of your children. To take the wholehearted decision of putting all your needs aside because now they come first, they are what matters. Nothing else.

How my mother raised the four of us with just my father and no other support from family in a foreign country I can’t imagine, but what I do know is her motivation is contagious, and she pushes me everyday, to find the strength I need to give it my best shot no matter how tired or overwhelming things may get. Her devotion to her family is phenomenal, and her ability to continue to care for us even as adults both physically and emotionally fascinates me. To me she represents the eternal fountain of giving, of generosity, kindness and an unmatched ability to love.

And as I watch her now excel in her new role as grandma, I’m in awe by the relationship she has formed with my children. They seek the same comfort in her that I have as a child and it awakens so many memories, her soothing voice takes me back to a special place in time.

She manages to complete me as a mother, to fill the gaps where I fall short, and to give me that peace of mind I need when I leave. She has held me together these past two years, as I struggled with the pressure and fatigue of becoming a mother of two in just two years. She is my source of power, the voice of reason and my best friend.

I love you mamma. Not just for all that you did for me but for how much you love my children. I may never be half the mother you are, you’ve set the bar really high but you are my inspiration, and will always be. I’m so grateful you get to witness me become a mother, this is something I don’t take for granted and although I can never repay you for all that you have done for us, I hope I can at least celebrate and hold on to every moment we have together.

I hope you enjoy this special video I shot in collaboration with Baume et Mercier for Mother’s day this year. Thank you for making all our milestones all the more precious.

Video by: Patrick Sawaya