As is my ritual, every year on the day of my children’s birthday, I sit quietly for a few moments and remember the day they were born. The details aren’t as fresh as they used to be. My oldest just turned 29, but there are memories that I hold in my heart and in my body. Memories that I cherish, feelings that I can still find, my blessings of motherhood. I am also now a grandmother, so I have another day added to this ritual; two years ago, I was present at my grandbaby Marcus’ birth.

That day, the phone rang with my son Sky, telling me that they were at the hospital. “Please hurry.” I could feel the both the urgency and the excitement in his voice. The drive from Santa Fe to Albuquerque is a solid hour’s drive. I believed there was plenty of time but, nonetheless, I was in the car within five minutes. I drove a tad fast, (okay, I sped!) and was greeted by a filled waiting room; my daughter-in-law’s family were all waiting to celebrate this baby. They pointed me to the birthing room where I found my son and daughter-in-law in the throws of Marcus’ coming.

Sky’s face lit up when he saw me. “I’m sooo glad you are here” he declared. as he hugged me tight.  When he looked into my eyes, he exhaled deeply and I could feel his anxiety softening. The tenseness he was experiencing began to melt-it was palpable-to me, anyhow.  My son felt more comfortable than before I arrived-just because I was present. I, his mama, was his softest place on the planet-his unconditional loving support. It didn’t matter that he was becoming a dad, he still needed my presence and attention.

The birth was amazing and welcoming our grandson was quite an event. But today as I was remembering this blessed day, I was replaying the few moments between Sky and I over and over again. What was it that I was re-connecting with?…

Our children grow inside us, we are their safe sanctuary for their entrance from the spirit world into the physical. We grow them, we are literally attached together by the umbilical cord. Our heartbeat comforts our children. This is not new information-we all know this. But we can oftentimes overlook that special, invisible cord that attaches mothers to their children.  This bond never, ever leaves; it’s the bond of unconditional love. Plain and simple. Love. It didn’t matter one iota that my son is a young adult and his partner is now the most significant woman in his life. It didn’t matter that he was becoming a dad. I am still his mother. I have a special and unique relationship with him. No matter what happens, I will always be a soft place for him. I am this place because as his mother, I am here for him, no matter what. I love him unconditionally. My presence in his life is to be a guiding light. It doesn’t matter that I make mistakes, that I can be bossy, that we disagree… or any of my human doings. He will always have my love and presence in his life, no matter what. Though a mother’s love is invisible, it is the most amazing healing medicine on the face of the earth.  Happy Birthday Marcus and Happy Daddy Day Sky!