My mom was a survivor of the Japanese concentration. With her horrifying wartime experience, and at a slim five foot four, you would have thought her to shy away from controversy. Quite the contrary, Oma was forever the “mom” to everyone and the first one to help out a person in need. Every day my mother’s steadfastness crystallizes what being a mom means to me.

For me, being a working mother is tough. I work over 40 hours and I also take Medical Transcription classes so that someday I can stay home. I struggle every day with, "Am I doing enough for my son?" Today, as I was giving my 16-month-old son dinner and teaching him "Thank You" in sign language, he put his hand up to his mouth and said "Muah" like he was blowing me kisses - for the first time. Later, he giggled as he "tickled" me with a feathered cat toy. It is days like these that are so gratifying to me. I know I am doing something right as a parent. And that is very rewarding.

I heard a THWACK and turned toward the noise. I saw the frog slide down the wall and land lifeless on the carpet. I was sobbing so hard on the way home I pulled over. I called my husband and asked, "Does this mean he's going to be a psychopath?" My husband said to ask my son about it. So I did. As we sat there on the side of the road, Wes cried too, and in his 4 year old way, he explained that he wanted to see if the frog would stick to the wall. I was relieved that he probably was not going to be a psychopath. He did, however, need a lesson on "alive" vs. "not alive". That, I could handle.

No recalls,refinishing old crib,hot tub first trimester. Folic acid? Umbrella stroller falling with weight of diaper bag.No cup holders.Store dressing rooms to breast feed.

A daughter who is pregnant,search on internet,  unimaginable array of gear. Lists of what not to eat  Recall lists miles long.

One constant: Love and show them love,respect, allow mistakes ( yours and theirs) daily humor, slow down to enjoy the gift of motherhood. Upon reflection of a time that maybe I didnt do that as much as I could have I am sure going to as a Grandma-MY BEST REWARD OF MOTHERHOOD.

I have 3 children and found defining moments with each of them. My first was diagnosed with ADHD. Through involvement I learned that I am my child’s only true advocate. My middle one was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome. Having to fight for him, I learned that fair isn't always equal and equal isn't always fair. An involved parent knows the needs of their child better than a school. My youngest has Prune Belly Syndrome and CKD Stage III. With all we have been through, I learned that doctors aren’t always right, trust my intuition and demand what I believe is in the best interest of my child.

I have four children. But caring for my own children is not what shaped my definition of being a parent. My brother passed away three years ago leaving behind three children. That is when the abuse started.DCF stepped in and took the children away from their mother and her new boyfriend. My husband and I are adopting them. The definition of being a parent in my opinion is not just someone who gives birth (anyone can do that) It is the parent who takes the time to ensure the safety and well being of their child. Someone who can offer love and caring as well as discipline and respect.

There are so very many things that I could choose like automatically turning when someone calls mommy and my kids aren't even there, but really I knew motherhood was my calling, my life and my identity when we had a formal dinner party and I caught myself cutting up the meat before serving to our guests- yes, including the boss.  Oops.  Luckily they were parents and got it.

My 3yo was running (btw she runs like me, far from athletic, more like a newborn deer),when she tripped & in slow motion skidded on her bare knees. I flew thru the air in that slow way you do in dreams."oh no, biscuit! let me me see!" I carried her running (& peeing my pants from my weak bladder) to the house. I set her up on the kitchen table (only allowed when you are getting medical care, we weren't totally raised in a barn) & did the Barbie bandaid routine. She hugged me, needed me. In that moment it was only her and I. That focus, that fulfillment of being someone's only, is Motherhood.

I was young when I had my son, and at first being “mom” was terrifying.  The moment I really got it happened on the way out of the store when my son was about two.  We were walking through the parking lot when a truck thundered by.  He looked up at me and whimpered, "Ma, scared! Up!"  I picked him up, held him close, shaken by the realization this little boy believed completely in my perfect ability to protect him.  It was then I realized I had achieved my place in the pantheon of motherhood.

We had been trying for 8 years to have a baby and just when we had given up hope our daughter Georgia was born. The minute I held her in my arms I was filled with a love so deep and powerful it almost hurt. My mom came into the room and held her and my hand. In that moment, I realized what she had gone through all these years and also knew that she nor I would ever trade on minute of the journey.

I thought that I was a parent the moment my son looked into my eyes, but when my son was 10 months old with the flu, that's when I really discovered parenthood. My son was throwing up every 2 hours, couldn't keep anything down, and was burning with fever. I was covered with throw up as I laid next to my sleeping son and the overwhelming feeling of love and sacrifice overwhelmed me. At that moment I would do ANYTHING to rid my son of his pain. I discovered that I had walked through the door to parenthood.

Motherhood is an experience of a lifetime. It is both beautiful as well as challenging. It is beautiful just to

wake up each day and know that there is a little one waiting for a warm hug and a kiss from you. A mother not only adds her love, values but also discipline and perseverance in her little one's life.

She has her own dreams for her children and also supports their dreams.She always wishes to be a part of her

children's dreams.  

The journey of motherhood not only helps a woman shape her children's future but also enhance her own life with

tolerance, love and compassion.