Motherhood

Whenever someone asks me what I am most proud of, my answer is always about my kids and how I raised them. I have found glory rather than weight in dependency, inspiration rather than judgment in giving guidance, and majesty rather than diminishment in being a role model. Not in every instance, not always in real time, and not always with grace—being a mom is far from easy. But what is effortless has limited rewards.

Dorothea Lange captured an iconic image of a migrant mother during the Great Depression. Originally, it was cataloged simply by the number of children she had, her age, and the location where the photo was taken; but eventually, her identity became known to the world. The photo was a source of embarrassment and shame for the family for a long time. But slowly, it became an opportunity for pride and gratitude. Things that start as one thing can eventually morph into another. And I am grateful for images and stories of maternal perseverance.