Mother’s Day: Honoring the Pillars of Life

Mother’s Day, a day of celebration that is common to all countries and cultures, is a special moment to remember that mothers are the ones who have the biggest influence in our lives. Just as Ina May Gaskin articulates, our perception of mothers who perhaps are the givers and holders of life is the beginning of a transition towards practical social change. This caught my attention most when I thought of the Philippines where Mother’s Day has a special significance and most parents love their children.

Its roots can be traced back to America in the early 20th century when it first started.  Today, it has become a worldwide celebration. Starting from handmade cards and paper flowers in Poland to forming the biggest celebration accompanied by music and food in Mexico, the day continues to be celebrated with solutions of love and appreciation for mothers around the world. Even within Thailand, there is no exception, the celebration of which comprises fireworks and a jubilee parade. Across the globe, the essence of Mother’s Day remains the same: giving credit and respect to the women who have been role models in our lives.

Although Mother’s Day is a wonderful day for many, for people who have lost their mothers, it might be a gloomy time of the year when grief has never been absent. The anguish of the loss of a mother is always there, and it is very difficult to go through Mother’s Day without her. What comes to mind immediately are heart-rending adverts or emotional social media posts that could unleash a flood of memories, pain, and longing. Nevertheless, beyond the suffering of the loss of one’s mother, there is a chance for us to commemorate their legacy and remember the cherished moments shared with them.

On Mother’s Day, we not only celebrate biological mothers but also the single parents who bravely face the challenges of raising their children alone. For the Philippines with a huge number of single parents mostly women are at the helm of solo parenthood, Mother’s Day is the one which celebrates them even more than usual. RA11861 which was passed into law in 2022 is an important piece of legislation that has provided solo parents with much-needed allowances as well as paternity leave. Programs such as Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino and Strengthening Opportunities for Lone Parents give people in need ongoing assistance and emotional support.

On this Mother’s Day, let us not limit ourselves to giving love and our gratitude to our mothers but also let us remember to extend our support to lone parents who work so hard to cover their children’s needs. Theirs are the sacrifices and indomitable will that should be honored and supported. Through realizing the truly priceless gifts of mothers and also single parents, we ensure Mother’s Day’s concept stays alive, and we chronicle the priority of family, love, and compassion in our society.

Mother’s Day is a greater than simple holiday: it is a celebration of all the moms in the universe, the strength of their love, and their power. On this day, let us not only the mothers who are the backbone of our society but also the solo parents who struggle each day to keep their families together. Through this, we live up to its true significance as well as celebrate the beauty of inclusivity and unity.