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Home / Lifestyle

Louise Thompson: For all you mothers out there

Louise Thompson
By Louise Thompson
NZ Herald·
10 May, 2015 09:30 PM3 mins to read

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I see that you sometimes doubt yourself. Don't. You are doing something amazing. Photo / 123RF

I see that you sometimes doubt yourself. Don't. You are doing something amazing. Photo / 123RF

Louise Thompson
Opinion by Louise Thompson
Louise Thompson is a columnist for Bite.
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Yesterday was Mother's Day and I have a message for you, Mamma. You are an incredible woman. I see how hard you try. How busy you are. How much you strive. How you juggle, and juggle some more. I see how you do your best. I see how you hold their hearts in your hands and never spill. I see how you worry about everyone else being happy and keeping your loved ones safe. I think you do an amazing job.

I see all the little things you do - the endless things you pick up, the meals you make, the invisible tidying and myriad little errands you squeeze in. I see all those tasks you make happen without complaint, and most often without thanks. I see them and I am thankful you love people enough to show you care in so many small ways. I see how you look in the mirror and some days find yourself wanting. I see that. And I want you to know you are beautiful - just as you are.

I see how you try and block out those occasional whispers of "not good enough" and rock out each day and bring your best. Guess what - don't believe those whispers - you are more than good enough. I see that you sometimes doubt yourself. Don't. You are doing something amazing.

I love to see you smile: your whole being lights up when you laugh. I'd love you to find more things to laugh about in the jumble of every day ordinariness. Laugh more and smile more - you have more to smile about than you know.

I see you worry about "getting it all done". Worry less. It will never all be done! There is no end point. Life is always completely incomplete. I see how even though your kids may be grown with kids of their own you never stop loving them. I see how you keep going even when you are dead on your feet. I see how patient you are. I marvel at your patience with the monotony and the routine. That you can find patience from a deep well of inner strength.

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I see how you rise in the bad times. That you will never ever leave. That you bring a constancy and unconditionality to your love that is more valuable than any gold or gadget. I love how you infuse the little things with love. I celebrate you, Mamma. I celebrate all the unseen things you do with love.

Your hands may be full, but I know how full your heart is. And it is way fuller than your hands. I hope you have a happy Mother's Day every day.

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