Happy Mother’s Day to All Moms
Reflecting on love, loss, and the ever-evolving journey of motherhood
By Susan Hunt-Bradford
When Mother’s Day comes around, my first thoughts always go to my own mother, who passed away 24 years ago. In many ways, it feels like just yesterday we were laughing, traveling, and doting on my son together. The memories remain vivid, and not a day goes by that I don’t think about her — and my father, too. I know I’m not alone in that feeling. For so many of us, these holidays stir up a bittersweet mix of love, gratitude, and grief.
When Mother’s Day arrives, I sometimes forget that I’m also a mom, and that I get to be part of the celebration, too. Like many mothers, I tend to put myself last. But being a mom — to my son John, and yes, to my beloved dog Kiba, is one of the greatest joys of my life. I’ve never felt like I quite lived up to the kind of mother my mom was, but I keep trying. I grow every year, right alongside my son, no matter how old we both get.
Motherhood has taught me patience, empathy, and the importance of letting go of control. I’ve learned to stop pushing my own goals and dreams onto my son, and instead support him as he carves out his own path. Like many parents, I want life to be easier for my child than it was for me — but sometimes, the best lessons come through challenges and mistakes. And those lessons aren’t just for him. I’ve made plenty myself, and each one has helped shape the kind of mother I am today.
Every child is different, and every family dynamic is unique. Over the years, I’ve gotten my fair share of unsolicited advice about how to be a “better” parent. But here’s what I’ve learned: you have to parent your child — not your neighbor’s, not your friend’s. And when things feel hard, there’s no shame in reaching out for help that’s tailored to your family’s needs.
So, to all the moms out there — including the moms of fur babies — you’re doing an incredible job. We’re not perfect, but our love is fierce, and it drives everything we do. Happy Mother’s Day. You are seen, appreciated, and deeply loved.