She started young, giving birth to my brother at 21 and me at 26. Motherhood came as naturally to her as breathing. It was something that she never questioned, she thrives on it, she is a true Goddess. She always was and continues to be the glue that holds our family together. Loving, strong, patient, endlessly optimistic, compassionate, and fiercely loyal. I am so very grateful for her. 

She is my she-ro.

As for me, I never had the calling. I kept waiting for it to come and it just didn’t. When I turned 40 societal pressures combined with the fact that I had never even thought once about wanting a baby of my own caused me to explore the reasons why. I went to a top fertility doctor to inquire about freezing my eggs, and at the end of our appointment he said “this is not for you...you are happy and have a full life. Go enjoy it and if you wake up one day and decide that you do want a baby there are many options.” I left his office feeling lighter. 

Still seeking answers, I spoke to a Shaman about why I did not have the proverbial ticking clock—his explanation filled my soul: “You have so much love to give and the world needs your love. Motherhood takes on many forms.” This resonated deeply with me. Intuitively, I knew I was meant to hear this, and while never being called to motherhood in the traditional sense, I have always felt called to be of service—"To be one of the helpers," as Mr Rogers famously once said. The final moment of truth for me came after a breakup with someone who desperately wanted me to have a baby. I called home and my dad answered, he asked why I was crying. “What if this was my last chance at that kind of life?” I said. Without missing a beat, he replied, “Tara, you have to trust that God has a plan for you and what is meant to be is meant to be. And even if it does not include any of those things, you will still be happy and have a full life.”

And just like that, it clicked. I was set free and have never looked back—not even once. I pour my love wherever I see it needed: charity work, my nieces, my Godchildren, my friends' children, animals, etc... I strive to be the best life partner, friend, daughter, sister, auntie, mentor that I can be. I stay grateful for what I have to give and give as often as I can. And I feel full. 

Happy Mother’s Day to my beautiful mama, to all of the wonderful moms out there, and to the non-traditional moms as well, who nurture the world with their own brand of magic in their own special way.

xo Tara