Celebrate the Enduring Legacy of Mothers: Honoring Those Here and Beyond

Mother’s Day is approaching this Sunday, May 11, a time to honor mothers, grandmothers, wives, and daughters. From brunches to flowers, the day is marked by gestures of appreciation, including phone calls for those far away.

This occasion also provides an opportunity for reflection, especially for those who have lost their mothers. A chance to remember their impact resonates deeply.

In 2019, as my wife and I anticipated our first Mother’s Day with our daughter, Athena Zelda Nebula Skye Sylvia Diana Fox Graham, I wrote about the transformation I witnessed. My wife evolved into the ideal mother: endlessly caring and dedicated to Athena’s happiness.

In recent years, our family has grown with the addition of twins Artemis Leia Aurora Claire River Song Éowyn Fox Graham and Odysseus Luke Saturn Langston Lee Calvin Orion Fox Graham, who recently celebrated their third birthday.

Managing three children under seven presents daily challenges. Fortunately, our eldest attends school five days a week, lightening the load somewhat. However, summer break looms just two and a half weeks away, which means all three will be at home.

While I focus on editorial tasks and newspaper management, my wife devotes herself to enriching our toddlers’ lives with games and learning activities, similar to what she did for Athena before school began.

My wife is exceptional, and I often find her to be the superior parent. She regularly handles outings to stores, parks, and community events with remarkable ease.

This past weekend, I ventured to the store and a splash pad with the kids. My wife, anticipating the challenges, pre-packed snacks, towels, water, and necessities for the twins. Remarkably, we returned home with all fingers and toes intact—an accomplishment worth celebrating.

In 2019, I humorously portrayed my wife as a Disney princess and myself as a character drawn from a night out. That sentiment still rings true. While I navigate the complexities of political and legal issues, the innate skills of motherhood remain beyond my expertise.

The chaos of a newsroom pales in comparison to managing a spirited kindergartner and twin toddlers. While we can often negotiate with residents or officials, a distressed three-year-old during a meltdown is another matter entirely. Yet my wife possesses an uncanny ability to understand them.

Through two pregnancies, I witnessed my wife’s transformation and the profound bond she formed with our children before their births. She experienced their movements long before I did. The journey of motherhood is one that shapes us all.

This transition echoes through time, from our Paleolithic ancestors who marveled at the miracle of birth to modern-day parents nurturing their infants. Early humans celebrated this fundamental experience in art, honoring the pregnant form.

My wife strives to provide enriching childhoods filled with music, art, stories, and adventures. Every trip to the store or park becomes an opportunity for exploration and imagination, cultivating their understanding of the world.

The experience of life—be it through enjoying nature, exploring vast landscapes, or simply storytelling—stems from the love of a mother. It’s this connection that forms the foundation of our existence.

Mothers embody profound love, shaping our experiences and reminding us of our shared humanity.