A mother's love

"Love as powerful as your mother's for you leaves its own mark. To have been loved so deeply, even though the person who loved us is gone, will give us some protection forever”

J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone

Today is Mother's Day; a special day to celebrate our mothers and show our appreciation for everything they do for us.

Throughout pregnancy and delivering us into this world, there's no doubt that we have plenty to thank them for. Perhaps we've inherited some of her personality traits, maybe you closely resemble your mum in appearance or share her talent for music - her influence, nurturing and care shapes so much about each of us. 

Family expert Steve Biddulph said: "In the most essential terms, love grows the brain", and certainly the love we received from our mother helped encourage healthy cognitive and social development throughout our youth and adolescence. It can make us into well-rounded, caring adults and her love can, help us feel rooted and secure.

Her support is crucial for inspiring confidence and a sense of self-belief. With her backing, we may have gone on to try new hobbies, been encouraged to make new friends, perhaps even applied for a job or career move that may have been daunting. 

She was your first teacher, teaching you everything from manners and compassion, speaking and even how to tie your shoelaces. She lead by example and instilled in you many of the morals and values which you probably still hold dear today. She may have taught you the importance of respect, love and affection in your own relationships; and perhaps she is the role model for the woman you or your children have become.

Chuck Smith, a child development expert from Kansas State University, pointed out how we have adopted the phrase "Mother Earth." That the bountiful earth which sustains all human, animal, and plant life is associated with all the sentiments of motherhood just goes to show the vital importance of the mother figure.

So a big thank you goes to all of our mothers for helping us thrive and flourish, we wish them a very happy Mother's Day!