On this Mother’s Day, we’d like to share a reflection of what our mother’s mean to us and the relationships that we, as a first born son and a first born daughter, have with our moms. We hope you enjoy these thoughts, we’d love to hear a little more about your relationships with your mom, aunt, grandmother, or any amazing woman or caregiver in your life below. Let’s celebrate the love of a mother!

Sarah’s Reflection
Let’s start at the beginning. My mom was 26 when I was born. She had just moved to New Hampshire with my dad and coming from the diverse, hustle and bustle of New Jersey, I’m sure the “live free or die” mentality of this New England state was a change for her. But I have to say, I think she and her strength, empathy, and love for others made the most of it!

I am the first born, the oldest sister to an eventual three siblings in a blended family. I’m sure I was the child that my mom called the doctor about constantly. In fact, I remember my mom telling me stories about how she would watch me sleep at night, just to make sure I was still breathing. There aren’t really any crazy stories of me falling down basement stairs or going end over end in a walker, nope those belong to my sister.

But I do have memorable moments: traveling with my mom to my uncle’s wedding in rural Virginia in a crazy thunderstorm in a tiny prop plane and carrying my stuffed dalmation Purdy around the ceremony; riding a train with my mom in North Conway, NH and watching the New England fall leaves burst into color around us; or even how I liked to play dress up with my mom’s clothing, prancing around in her closet and trying on her favorite black pumps.

And boy will I have big shoes to fill – you see, my mom is my rock and my hero. I learn from her constantly. Not only how to walk in my own stilettos, but life lessons. She taught me how to be an independent woman, one who can take care of herself, but have the mindset to let others help and care for them when needed. She cultivated a sense of strength that I use in the dark, tough, or troubling times. Being a single mom for a few years, she showed me what sacrifice was. She gave up many girls nights so we wouldn’t be alone. She bought less at Christmas to pay the bills, but also took us on girls trip to Niagara Falls or Hershey, Pennsylvania when she had extra money instead of buying new shoes or a massage for herself.

Additionally, a bond between a mother and daughter is unlike anything I have ever experienced. The empathetic relationship that we have is extremely strong. Not only does she care for me, but she truly understands where I’m coming from. She supports me, mentally telling me when I may be overreacting, complaining, or downright crazy, but also when I am right. She is one of the very few people who can truly put me in my place.

Yes, we have our times of friction that comes with growing up in different generations, but these days we accept each other’s opinions and move forward. My day isn’t complete unless I talk to her; she listens to my work woes, and laughs with me at my funny stories. She is the glue that keeps our family together, and for that I will always admire. I hope someday be this person for my family.

Phil’s Reflection
Both of my parents are from Haiti, and I was their first born. My mom was 23 when she had me, but I wasn’t the first child in my family. My mom has three siblings, and my dad has four, so I was part of a very large family from day one. My brother and I are only two years apart, and my sisters came a six years after I did. Though I was the oldest, I never felt like I was alone.

I had more of a traditional childhood. We did what kids did, ride bikes, play sports, take family vacations, get into trouble, and watch awesome TV shows like Doug, Rugrats, Guts, Legends of the Hidden Temple, and Rocket Power, just to name a few. But there was always a special bond between my mom and me. She taught me to be accepting of others, no matter who they were, what they looked like or where they came from. I know I have the long-lasting relationships that I have today because of these traits my mom instilled in me.

My mom taught me how to treat a woman. I’m sure Sarah can attest to this, but I respect women, like I respect my mom. She taught me that showing that you care and doing small acts of kindness usually mean more than the actual words spoken to someone. Small typical behaviors like holding the door open for someone, saying God bless you when someone sneezes, or picking up the bill at dinner while on a date or at a friendly gathering, all of these come from my mom.

Though I did tend to slack off in my early years, my mom taught me that hard work is never something that should be discouraged and that I can be successful in whatever I put my mind to. I tended to put my effort into sports when I was younger. Recently, I’m realizing more this work ethic and dedication can be applied to nearly anything, such as making a career change or beginning photography. My mom always supported me in what I wanted to pursue and always knew the right thing to say in pivotal moments of my life.

Thank you to our moms for always being there to support us in everything we do. Thank you for being our rock, our inspiration, our teachers, and our caretakers. We love you!