For Mom, With Love.

A collection of your thoughtful words for mom on Mother’s Day.

Whether your mother inspired you to pursue your biggest dream or is the actual reason you’ve been in therapy for years, chances are, she has taught you something of value. We often forget that learning happens from good and bad experiences alike and gratitude can be paid in any amount for even the tiniest lesson taught or kindness bestowed. From the painstaking hours your mom spent potty training you to the physical pain she endured bringing you into the light of the world, she has given you something to appreciate.

This Mother’s Day may be more meaningful than those in the past since, many adult children are avoiding contact with their parents for the sake of their health and safety. With stores and delivery services inundated with online orders, many moms will either be patiently waiting for their Mother’s Day gifts or going without all together (Check out Majj’s quarantine edition gift guide for mom). For this reason, we presented our readers from all over the world, the opportunity to give mom a less tangible yet, more meaningful gift: A written message professing love or acknowledgment on this mama-run platform, Voicebowl.com. We posed the question, what is the greatest thing your mom taught you and/or what is the best thing you are teaching your children? As we read your beautiful answers we smiled, laughed and even shed a few tears. We thank you for your contribution and wish all mothers a very Happy Mother’s Day! (Read your thoughts on mom below)

I’m teaching my kids that nothing in life is free. If you work hard, expect a reward and if you don’t do your best then, don’t pout. I am gentle with my kids and at the same time I want them to know that mama is not going to sugar coat things for them. It’s alright to be wrong and to fall short of something. We can’t always win but we can try our best and accept the outcome. -Julie A. Hogan

I’ve learned I have to actively work on myself and do my best to share my struggles with my kids as a way to change the generational patterns and ancestral wounds we all carry. I am trying to teach all 5 of my kids to actively face adversities with an open heart, to feel everything and honor whatever those feelings are. My hope is that I have actively taught my children what my mom inadvertently taught me: to see all life through compassionate eyes because we all have a story that made us who we are. -Harmony Fonseca

I’m teaching my kiddos basic life skills that are often overlooked like, how to do laundry, basic cooking and cleaning. Right now, I’m emphasizing comparison shopping, money management and doing research to find the best deal. Don’t just jump at the first thing you see! Oh and I’ve also taught my boys to pee sitting down. I cannot stress its importance enough! It’s definitely a plus for sanitary purposes and their future wives can thank me later. -Macy Ali

My mom is an inspiration because she taught us that life wasn’t meant to be easy. She was a single mother who struggled to provide for us but never gave up. She worked three jobs and eventually went to school to become a hospice nurse. She put us through college and by her inspiration and hard work I become an engineer and my brother is becoming a radiologist. We owe our every success to our mom. -Jamal and Journey

Although my mom passed away when I was 9 years old, I can still remember the bond we shared and the love and understanding she had for my highly sensitive and compassionate way of being in the world. This memory continues to teach me that I am a gift to others. I am also teaching my son, who is also highly sensitive and affectionate that his gentle intuitive nature is his greatest treasure. I hope to teach him that he is his own greatest resource, and I hope to help him build a foundation of self-trust so that he can move gracefully through the highs and lows of life. -Alizee Laroche

My mother taught me so many great things that have helped me throughout my life like forgiveness and kindness towards everyone, to be patient during hardships and to believe in myself even if no one else does. She’s taught me true friendship! -Duaa Ali

My mom taught me to always stay true to who I am and stand up for what I believe in. It may not always resonate with everyone but that’s perfectly fine. If it’s something I’m passionate about, I hold your ground and fight for it. The best thing I’ve taught my son (4) and daughter (9) is to love yourself for who you are and be sure to love the messy parts of yourself while trying to better yourself. I tell them to always be conscious of their mental health; their meltdowns when they’re mad, sad, frustrated, hurt, etc. Acknowledge what you’re feeling because you are worthy. -Aja Carmona (Mental Health Advocate, Sage Hand Co)

The best things my mom taught me growing up was how to be silly. She has always lived life with wonder and for the most part, joy. As an adult, I still learn from her on how to persevere. She and I are both recovering alcoholics, and although most of our life was joyous, I watched her struggle for years and watched her finally overcome her alcoholic addiction. This has helped me in my own determination to overcome mine. -Katie Marie

The greatest thing my mother has taught me is personal hygiene and cleanliness. I cannot thank her enough for this! -Maliha Ahmad

That it’s ok to make mistakes even the big ones. She taught me this by making some big financial mistakes that were hard for our family to bounce back from but seeing her mistakes taught me to work hard and spend way less than I earn. I’m teaching my kids to save some, spend some and help those in need because everybody deserves a second chance. -Claudia Remirez

The best thing my mom taught me is to remain true to who I am, regardless of judgements and opinions. The values and morals I grew up with taught by her has allowed me to develop a sound understanding of life. This has shaped my character into a passionate individual who empowers others to be their best and authentic self as well. Thank you momma, I love you. -Tarmim Khan (Emotional Intelligence Coach)

My mom taught me that nature can be healing. Whenever I felt down, my mom would take me for a long walk through an undeveloped woodsy area near our home, where we’d talk but mostly just watch the birds, pick flowers and listen to the echo of our voices. Later in my teens I used to yell out my frustrations in the woods and hear them echo back. It helped. I think my mom was teaching me that I was never alone even if no one was around. When she passed away from breast cancer in 2015, I packed her things to give away to a charity and found a box of all the dried flowers and rocks we’d collected. I didn’t know she kept them. -Brandy Ulrich

The greatest thing my mother taught me was that laughter is the best remedy. It was her weapon when she lost her best friend, my dad at 44. Whether it was someone who said something harsh to her or a situation out of her control, she would combat it by finding the humor in it. That’s something I do for myself whenever I am in a stressful situation. Sure, if the the tool of humor isn’t used wisely it can get you in trouble but most of the time it can get you through anything. I am teaching this concept to my 8 month old daughter. We laugh together when she falls on her butt or when I give her a belly laugh with a simple game of peekaboo during diaper changes. I want laughter to be part of her always so, when she looks back at her earliest memories, she remembers learning to just laugh. -Afsha-Noor Sheikh

Throughout my life, my mother has always been there holding my hand. Step-by-step she would guide me through the darkness and help me seek light. She taught me to exceed standards and how to love myself. She also taught me to cook, walk, smile through the tough times, forgivness, kindness, to be responsible and many other extroidinary things. I am grateful my mom taught me all these things to help shape my personality today. -Kiana L. Abella (12)

As the only daughter to my mom I am very close to her. She’s that perfect combination of a best friend and a role model. She’s taught me to have faith in God and know that everything happens for a reason. She’s also taught me to smile because laughter is the answer to everything. I pray that God gives her health, wealth and happiness, always. I love you mom! -Nida Faisal

My mom’s selflessness is what stands out to me the most. As a child you expect this but as an adult I find that I need my mom and her support even more. For nearly 21 years of being a mom myself, she has babysat for me, rescued me when I was overwhelmed with 3 crying babies; a house to clean and dinner to prepare. She has even ridden with me on a trip so she could help with the kiddos, given me advice. She has sewn/prepped things on a dress that I needed to wear for a special occasion, at the last minute. My mom has always dropped whatever she was doing to come and be there for me or simply hang out with me. She’s the same for my other 5 siblings as well. She’s completely selfless and thinks of us all, supports us in our careers and paths in life. I try to be just like her and hope my kids will love me the way I love my mother. -Missada Khateeb

To me, my mom’s whole life is a lesson. Growing up I was a challenging child but my mom was understanding and never got irritated by my mistakes. Every time I told her about my problems she repeated the golden words ‘Patience is a virtue.’ I was unstoppable when I followed her footsteps. Her lessons are pearls of wisdom that I treasure. I’m very thankful for my mom, she’s the best. -Syeda Bisma

My mom is a great mom and among other things she is a teacher. Over 13 years I’ve been cared for and taught by her. One lesson that she has taught me is one that I’ll remember for the rest of my life and that is, to be the bigger person. If someone is doing something you don’t like, instead of being rude, try to tell them or just ignore said person. I love my mom, she is a great and amazing teacher. -Noor A. (13)

I didn’t know my birth mother and I was raised by my adopted mother who cared for me in every way. She taught me how to love myself and even how I could love my birth mother, whom I often felt abandoned by. I acted out as a teen because of this feeling. My mom taught me that love can’t be defined. I now choose to believe that my birth mother loved me, carried me and gave birth to me so I could experience the truest love from the only mother I know. -Sarah Samuelson

The greatest thing my mom taught me was to never forget where I came from and to always be myself. When my family and I moved to the US from Peru, I went to a predominately white school where I was called names and bullied every day for being different. I tried my best to fit in and then one day my mom made my favorite, aji de galina; a chicken dish which made my bad day great. Then, she told me that I would never, ever fit in. I felt it was a little harsh but she explained that I was meant to stand out and it was best to be myself and honor my rich heritage. I’m teaching my kids, ages 7 and 10 that they’re special and don’t have to fit in. I’m also teaching them to how to make Peruvian food. Their friends who aren’t Peruvian, love to eat our house! -Andrea Chavez

My mom taught me about God and the Holy Quran. It has been a guide for me and I hope it will guide and be a mercy for my kids too. Especially, during this pandemic the verse no. 155 gives hope “And we will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives, but give good tidings to the patient.” Life becomes so much easier when you know everything’s going to be ok. All you need is patience and gratitude. -Urooj Usama

My mom has always been a big believer in me. She instilled an underlying sense of confidence in me by always encouraging me. Even when I doubted myself, she was there telling me I could accomplish anything. If I failed, she would encourage me to try again. Around the turn of the millennium there were not many women going for degrees involving computer science. I was on the fence about going into a hugely male dominated field but I loved computers. My mom was the one who told me not to worry about male/female and just go for it. I did and ultimately earned a bachelor’s degree in Computer Information Systems. This is just one example of how she boosted my confidence during crucial decisions. -Sophia Tedeschi

My mom taught me about my rights as a woman. She taught me that there are still too many injustices suffered by women that need to be voiced and corrected. She has taught me to be an advocate for women’s rights everywhere. My mother is a trailblazer and I’m following in her footsteps of pursuing a law degree next year. -Malika Saunders

The greatest thing my mother has taught me is to be a strong woman. During life’s struggles she has constantly reminded me of my strength and encouraged me to never give up. I hope to do the same for my kids. -Sandra Padilla

Follow us on Instagram @voicebowl. We’ll be sharing some of some of your thoughtful words in our stories this week. Happy Mother’s Day!