essay on being a mother

Essay on Mother for Students and Children

500 words essay on mother for school students.

First of all, Mother is a word which fills everyone with emotions . A Mother is certainly the most important human being in everyone’s life. Mother’s Love for her child certainly cannot be compared with anything. Her level of forgiveness is unmatchable. A Mother is capable of forgiving any wrongdoing. Mother is the most important woman in everyone’s life. A mother sacrifices her happiness for her child. No one else can care for their kids the way a Mother does.  A Mother is great and does not need anyone like me explaining that. This essay on Mother is a small attempt to discover the greatness of a mother.

Importance of a Mother

First of all, Mothers are highly responsible women. They certainly play a very important role in the upbringing of a chil d. Most noteworthy, Mothers play a huge role in determining a child’s attitude. Whether a child will be good or evil in the future depends upon the Mother. The moral values taught by Mother probably play a huge role. Individuals often remember their Mother’s values until old age. Hence, the Mother is responsible for the well-being of society. The future of society in a large way is the result of a Mother’s teaching.

Mothers share a deep connection with their children. This connection certainly cannot be matched by anyone else. Even fathers fail to establish that type of understanding. The origins of this connection happen from infancy. Most noteworthy, a Mother can understand her infant child without communication. This certainly develops a strong emotional connection between a mother and child. This bond seems to carry into adult life. A Mother, it seems like, can always tell when we are feeling hungry.

Mothers also are the emotional backbone of the family. They support everyone’s feeling in a family. Family members can certainly tell their emotions to Mothers without worry. An individual can share almost any secret with Mother. This is because Mothers have a huge level of trust with their family. Furthermore, Mothers have an extremely forgiving nature. Hence, even wrongdoing can be shared with a Mother.

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How to Support Mothers?

First of all, Mothers are precious gifts from God. Without mothers, life would certainly be dark and gloomy. Therefore, it is our duty to help and support our Mothers. One important way to do that is to help in chores. Individuals must try to do more household work. This would certainly reduce the burden of Mothers. Hence, this will also improve her health. Another way of supporting Mothers is to speak words of affirmation.

Most noteworthy, a Mother’s heart is made of gold. A few words of acknowledgment would fill her heart with happiness. There are probably several ways of doing so. One way is to praise the meal cooked by her. Above all, such acknowledgment should come on a regular basis.

A Mother is a gem in everyone’s life. She is the ultimate source of happiness for a child. Her contributions are certainly too great to imagine. Above all, her love is pure and innocent. To find a Mother who does not love is probably an impossible task.

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FAQs  – Essay on Mother

Q.1 At what age a child forms an emotional connection with Mother?

A.1 A child forms an emotional connection with his mother from the age of infancy.

Q.2 Mention one way in which children can help their Mothers.

A.2 Children can help their Mothers by speaking words of acknowledgment. This is one way of certainly helping Mothers.

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• Inspiration

Reflection: My journey in becoming a mother

" Parenting is a kaleidoscope; the picture shifts with each turn of your wrist, with each change of light. What you see depends on how long you linger on a given moment."

The above statements are excellent starting point for my post today. The more I reflect on them, the more convicted I am of its truth in my own parenting journey. 

Before I became a mother, the picture that I focused on filled me with self-doubt, fear and anxiety. Even though it has always been a dream of mine to become a mother, I struggled with a deep ambivalence about it for a long time. That's why I thought I might freak out if I found myself to be pregnant. To my surprise, I didn't.

What I had zoomed in was what what I needed to give up and deny myself of when I become a mum. I've heard that parenthood is all about death. Death of the person I used to be, the carefree spirit who had no one else depending on her. It's also the death of leisure time and spontaneity. In short, parenthood means making pretty major sacrifices. Worst of all, it's a commitment that lasts till death do us part. Wow, that's a tall order and I wasn't sure if I was up to it.

Another contributing factor to my fear is the fact that I have always been rather awkward around young children. The background for this is that I am the youngest in both my immediate and extended family. Growing up, I didn't have the chance to interact with other children and I have always been a serious child. I have no idea how to interact with young kids.

On the other hand, I love babies because they are so fascinating and adorable. I can spend a long time watching them and because they don't really need me to interact with them actively, we can hang out silently. Until they cry of course and that's the time to return the babies to their parents. 

Yet, there is a voice that tells me in my heart that I am called to married and family life since I was in my early twenties. It took me a while to find my husband and subsequently our journey towards parenthood was filled with challenges after challenges that inevitably I wondered if this vocation would become a reality.

In spite of my uncertainty and ambivalence, I started preparing for motherhood long before I was pregnant. When I turned 30, I started reading parenting and child development books. I even blogged about them even though I was hardly qualified.

Whatever I lacked in natural ability, I hope I could make it up by equipping myself with knowledge. I also searched for a suitable OBGYN who is familiar with Moyamoya Disease and went for various vaccinations and ate healthily in order to prepare my body. I wanted to be ready when the baby decided to pop in. At the same time, I surrounded myself with my friends' children and practised interacting with them.

On hindsight, even though I wasn't absolutely sure if motherhood was for me, it didn't deter me from doing what was necessary to prepare myself for that eventuality. I realised much later that I really did want to be a mother and when our efforts failed so many times , my heart broke.

What a journey this has been and here I am celebrating my very first Mother's Day this weekend. I feel truly honoured that God decided to entrust us with the massive responsibility of raising Olivia. I am also very grateful that He knows best and gave us our daughter when we are ready. The wait for her was definitely worth it.

Motherhood has positively transformed and enlarged my heart. I didn't even know I was capable of loving someone with such a visceral feeling that it continues to astonish me. I also discover that I am willing to transcend previous boundaries and move out of my comfort zone because my daughter needs me to. Whatever fear I had previously about feeling resentful of the burden of my responsibility was unfounded. The truth is when you love, the burden stops being one; rather it becomes a privilege that you cherish.

I finally understood what people meant when they say parenthood is a crucible that not only changes you but also shows you what you're truly capable of handling. It is a phoenix process for sure.

This is not to say that motherhood has been a bed of roses for me. Hardly and I do not expect it to be. It requires deep commitment and the willingness to keep going regardless of the circumstance.

My lifestyle has changed significantly and it's much less exciting than it used to be. One day blends into the next and everyday is much of the same as I chug along. Still, I know this is what I have signed up for when i wanted to become a mother.

What I couldn't see before becoming a mum is the unqualified love and absolute trust that my daughter has in me. Her love is unconditional and she doesn't care if I was experienced or not in caring her. All she cares about is that I respond to her. It touches me when I am able to comfort and put her at ease. That I have the power to do so still blows my mind.

The great thing about parenting that I have discovered is that every now and then, I get a random burst of joy that leaves me breathless. For instance, when I look at my daughter sleeping peacefully. Or when she holds my hand and looks at me with such love and trust. No words are adequate to describe those moments and they make every sacrifice and death worthwhile.

Now that I am a mother, I wish to tell my younger self that the ambivalence that she had was important. As Harriet Lerner says in her book, The Mother Dance , to be a mother is to have profoundly ambivalent feelings. The decision to have children should not be taken haphazardly. Yet, this decision ultimately involves a great leap of faith as there are so many unknown variables that one cannot control.

Parenthood is tedious yet unpredictable, demanding yet ever changing. It is a never-ending journey down the river of love and worry. The most important thing that I have learned is that I need to embrace every part of the experience, the good and the bad in equal measure keeping in mind that this too shall pass.

Happy Mother's Day to all mothers as well as those who are in motherly role. Thank you for your important contribution and sacrifice.

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• Letter to Olivia: First three month s
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• The Power of Gratitude
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• What I have learned about happiness

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• My Mother Essay

An Introduction to the Essay

The word Mother is a very pious word and whosoever is called by the name ‘Mother’ is a person who sacrifices and prioritizes her children over anything. Her whole Life revolves around the well-being of her child, their growth, their development, and their welfare. A Mother not just only gives birth to a child but she takes a Lifelong commitment to take care of her child. 

The only unconditional love in the world is the mother's love. My mother is my inspiration, my superhero, my best friend, and my guiding light. My life would not have been beautiful without my mother. Through ups and downs and in every step of life, she holds my hand and supports and encourages me. No matter what happens, my mother is always there beside me- cheering me up and motivating me. All mothers in the world are great and so, we should not celebrate their contribution in our life on Mother's Day only, which is 10th May, but every day of the year and throughout their life. It is because no gesture of appreciation is ever enough when it comes to acknowledging our mother. Her selfless love and sacrifice are the precious of all gifts under the sun.

An Essay on Mothers

My Mother- The Multi-Tasker

Mothers play an important role in everyone’s Life since she acts as a Protector, a Friend, and Guide for Life. A Mother does everything selflessly for her child and without any condition. There the love of a Mother is known to be Unconditional. 

The way she manages my family with utter dedication and devotion is inspiring. The relationship with my mother is something very hard to explain. I do not merely love her because she is my mother and we should respect our elders. I love her because she is my world and when I was not able to speak and communicate she took care of me, time and time again. The best part about my mother is that even though I have grown older she knows and understands my needs without me speaking a word. I learned kindness and love from her. She taught me no matter how bad a situation might get, only love can improve it in the most effective way. She has been the rock-solid pillar of my life and in every big moment of my life. 

My Mother has constantly supported me throughout my entire Life, whenever I am in a danger or in a situation where I am stuck, she has always been there for me, protected me, and guided me. She has been my favorite teacher who has taught me about Life and the beauty of it. She is the essence of truthfulness, sincerity, and lots of love. The only person who holds our family together is my Mother. She cares for everyone in the house and for the ones in need outside the house as well. One of the most beautiful things that I learned from my mother is empathy. Be it strangers or animals, she treats everyone equally which makes her more amazing. Moreover, she taught me to not hurt anyone on purpose and help people whenever possible. Not only this but also she taught me to not differentiate among rich or poor, beautiful or ugly. She says that it is the heart of a person that makes them beautiful and rich and not temporary possessions. 

My Mother is my constant source of encouragement, be it in Life or in school for studies. She has always inspired me to do other activities along with my studies. She has taught me to enjoy every aspect of Life and live Life to the fullest. She wants me to do those things in Life as well which she could not do or pursue. She is my backbone for everything. My mother has inspired me through her hard work and sacrifices. She taught me once never to get disheartened by failure and to keep challenging the failure with our honest effort. And one day, failure will pave the path to our success. The strength of facing hurdles and overcoming it is what I have learned from her. 

Mothers have never-ending qualities even though they do not get much credit for their goodness and hard work. She binds everyone in the family and plays a very important part in everyone’s Life. Even when I do something wrong in Life, she scolds me but at the same time, she makes me understand and helps me to get out of the situation. She forgives me after every mistake but ensures that I’ve realized my mistake first. She is the most selfless human being I have ever encountered in my life till now.

My mother knows me in and out. Even if I am lying she catches me immediately and I start feeling guilty. We should never lie to our parents and especially, to our mother. They simply do not deserve it. Mothers spend a significant part of their lives making us capable of standing on our own feet. Sometimes, they have to sacrifice their own career and happiness for that. So a mother's trust should never be destroyed. And when it comes to my mother, I would not change a bit about her. She is the best chef, reading partner, and an independent working woman who can balance almost everything with utmost perfection. Even her imperfection makes me proud of her. Without my mother, I would never become a better human being. My Mother is my biggest strength and makes me, even more, stronger when I go through all my ups and downs in life. The best thing she possesses is her patience. The patience she has is difficult for anyone to have. She deals with every situation in the family, in my life, or even in her Life with so much patience because of the reason the family is bonded so strongly. It is the responsibility of every child to appreciate their Mothers and give them the love and respect that Mothers deserve.

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FAQs on My Mother Essay

1. What is the role of a mother in a family?

Mothers provide an ideal environment for the family and are the best role model in everyone’s Life. She is the one person everyone in the family can totally depend on in Life. She is the only one who asks every member of the family at the end of each day if they’ve had their proper meals all day long or not.

2. What does a Mother do to provide a comfortable life to her children?

A mother works hard day and night in order to give her children a comfortable life. She teaches her children to believe in themselves and have faith in themselves and never give up on Life. She teaches them moral values and the difference between right and wrong and how one decision in their lives can impact their futures.

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Learning to Be a Mother Can Take Generations — and Sometimes, Distance

By Rachel L. Harris and Lisa Tarchak

Ms. Harris and Ms. Tarchak are staff editors in Opinion.

“The human grand-maternal relationship is nearly unique in the natural world,” writes Abigail Tucker, a science writer, in a guest essay for Opinion. For new mothers in particular who are lucky enough to have their own mothers at hand, there are “tremendous benefits to our mental health and maternal behavior in ways that emerging science increasingly underscores.”

We asked readers how their mothers and grandmothers shaped their maternal behavior and the lives of their children. In hundreds of submissions we read about late-night breaks for new parents, cultural traditions passed down through generations and the showering of unconditional love on grandchildren, even from those who may not have given the same to their own children.

We also heard from readers who lost their mothers, through death or estrangement, and how they forged maternal relationships with friends, aunts, sisters and others who stepped in to provide support or share advice.

A selection of their comments, edited for length and clarity, follows.

‘The impact on my son, and his sons, is clear’

My mother showed us the idea of unconditional love before it was a fashionable term with the simple expression, “I’m on my way.” No matter the time of day, she would be there to help, cradle and comfort. Her words live on years later whenever my son calls with a worry or concern about his boys. She continues to watch over us, as I now instantly say, “I’m on my way.” — Joan Kenny, Morristown, N.J.

My mother was a huge help at the births of my sons and even more so when my husband left me with two preschoolers. I moved 1,200 miles to live near her so I could work to support the boys and myself. With one son often ill, I could not have held a job without her help. My parents and my older son are gone now, but the impact on my younger son, and his sons, is clear. She held us together. Now it’s my turn. — Barbara Sloan, Conway, S.C.

My mother is still strongly connected to my now-adult children because of the consistent time she spent with them. My late grandmother is still a big part of my daily life, as I hear her voice in my head all the time. — Sharon Greenthal, Long Beach, Calif.

She showed us how to care for our ‘precious and terrifying newborn’

My mother instilled a belief in me that I was strong enough to birth my big babies — a trust in my body. She also helped me trust my judgment in the early days. She’s a sounding board of unconditional love. Both of my parents bring wonder, play and joy to my kids. They are creative, free and wild with them. — Sophie McClellan, Encinitas, Calif.

I gave birth to my first child one month ago and honestly feel that my mom has been the most important person in my son’s life. She showed me and my husband how to take care of our precious and terrifying newborn while simultaneously helping us navigate the way that our relationship was changing. Knowing that she’s just a phone call away makes me feel invincible, like I have all the backup I need. — Quinn Rathkamp, Bellingham, Wash.

I am privileged to live with my mother and, astonishingly enough, my husband feels the same way. We moved in right before I got pregnant with our first child and have lived together (mostly harmoniously) for five years and counting. My mom (affectionately referred to as Momlet) has a special bond with our daughter. Now that I am pregnant with our second child, we have the choice to move into an apartment of our own and leave Momlet behind or to find a house big enough for multigenerational living in this horrid market. Despite the difficulty, we want to remain together. — Alexandria Nunez, South Elgin, Ill.

‘Not having a mom, she struggled being a mom’

My mom died when I was pregnant with my firstborn. The loss of a mother during parenting is such a deep grief because it isn’t just the sadness of losing your mother, it is also the millions of sadnesses for your children because they also lost someone who could have loved them.

Raising children without a mom can be done — and is being done joyfully with a lot of love. But there are many missing pieces, and I have a continuously broken heart because no matter how much grief and trauma healing work you do, the loss of your mother is like losing a piece of yourself. It turns you into a person you’ve never known because you’re now in a motherless yet child-filled world. — Rosia Parrish, Louisville, Colo.

I am a much better grandmother than mother, I think because I’ve gained distance from the pain, the disconnection and dismissal I felt because of the way my mother raised me. My mother was cold and unemotional, and considered it an intrusion for me to ask for help with my two infants. She kept score of how many times she watched them. I’m used to handling life on my own, without her support, but I foolishly continued asking for it.

I give my grandkids my love and time freely, and watching them grow is as rewarding as being a mother. I wish I had been the same with my own kids. It took time for me to understand why I wasn’t. — Tracy, Troy, N.Y.

My mother’s mother died when mom was 3, so she was raised by her father, who was an immigrant to the United States. She wanted nothing more than to be a mother, and I was raised in a nuclear family. But not having a mom, she struggled being a mom. It is difficult to explain how this manifested, but from an early age I knew I wanted nothing to do with motherhood. At 70, we are still glad that we made that decision. Being a parent is very difficult, and having worked with parents and children most of my career, it is so apparent to me how the parenting style in one generation impacts the parenting in the next. — Diane Taylor, California

‘I did better than many moms who had their extended family’

I fear some parents who cannot tap family to assist in early-stage parenting are pathologized by our culture. I am a solo parent who took the subway to the hospital while in labor and was by myself post-C-section with my newborn. I had to walk half a mile to the pharmacy with my daughter strapped on me in the carrier to get medications. And I did fine. I did better than many moms who had their extended family surrounding them. Some mamas are meant to be lone wolves who do it all for their babies. — Anna Davies, Jersey City, N.J.

I’m so glad I was able to raise my family apart from the ravages of intergenerational abuse. Our species is well equipped to provide many intergenerational friends, formal caregivers and community members. I’m grateful for the absence and polite distance from my biological mother, who is unable to provide healthy love. — Megan M., Chicago

My parents raised their children beautifully. And while they loved their grandchildren, they cherished time alone. When will the burdens on women end? — Krista Conley, Washington, D.C.

‘We became each other’s mothers’

My mother was warm when I was a young child, but unfortunately her love chilled as soon as I began to assert my own identity. By the time I became a mother she’d become disinterested. In one of my life’s greatest blessings, I was essentially rescued by a slightly older, dear friend whose children were grown. Her gentle, low-key guidance throughout my sons’ childhoods nurtured us all. When she died suddenly a few years ago, I finally understood the pain of being orphaned. — RoseAnne Cleary, Glendale, N.Y.

Some of us weren’t so lucky. My mom wouldn’t even babysit for a few hours. “Not my thing,” she would say. She hasn’t spoken to or seen my daughter in years. It took a long time to create holiday and birthday traditions with other people. Friends my own age have been my biggest resource. Now every other week, holidays and birthdays, all us parents get on Zoom. The kids started asking to join too, and even our college-age kids hop on for a few minutes because they want to be a part of it. — Alane, Los Angeles

I moved away from my small town and was never closer than a two-hour drive to my mother. Luckily, in a childbirth class for my firstborn, my husband and I met another couple our age, also motherless, and they lived six blocks away. We became each other’s sources of support from infancy all the way through college. She and I still call ourselves “twin daughters of different mothers,” and we’re still best friends. We became each other’s mothers. — Sue MacDonald, Cincinnati

‘It was important to me to pass down traditions’

After my dad died, my family moved into my childhood home with my mother. We’re a multigenerational home and a thousand percent stronger for it. It’s wonderful to see my mother teaching my children the old ways of Appalachia: canning and preserving, our language, our music and stories she learned from her mother, who passed them down from her mother. She has been integral in teaching me and my children our heritage. — Lauren Dodgin, Black Mountain, N.C.

I’m Chinese-American, so my mother did the traditional monthlong sit-in after each of my pregnancies. This included making many soups to help me recover after childbirth and to boost my breast milk production. It was invaluable to have the support, and the free child care, but it wasn’t all roses. There were some disagreements on parenting. It took us a while to find our balance. The tradition of my mother doing for me what her mother had done for her is something I’ll treasure. I think I’ll do it for my daughter as well. — Andrea Wang, New York, N.Y.

It was important to me to pass down my family’s Indian traditions and time-tested ways of taking care of a newborn. My mother taught me how to bathe my baby while positioning the baby on my legs, to put a little black dot on her face to ward off evil eyes and had me eat certain foods to enhance my milk production.

As my children grow, my mother helps me figure out ways to make Indian food palatable to them and how to celebrate cultural festivals in ways that make them feel connected to our ancestry. Most important, as I’ve felt some resistance from my children to these things, my mother has reminded me to meet my kids where they are, that their experiences don’t have to be the same as mine. — Vani Krishnamurthy, Summit, N.J.

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Health & Safety

Development, postpartum recovery & tips, getting pregnant, am i pregnant, preconception health, stages of pregnancy, miscarriage, diet & fitness, labor & delivery, preparing for a baby, motherhood tools, due date calculator, zodiac center, baby name generator, the meaning of being a mother.

By: Susan Diranian

13 June, 2017

The meaning of being a mother is virtually endless. A mother is a protector, disciplinarian and friend. A mother is a selfless, loving human who must sacrifice many of their wants and needs for the wants and needs of their children. A mother works hard to make sure their child is equipped with the knowledge, skills and abilities to make it as a competent human being. Being a mother is perhaps the hardest, most rewarding job a woman will ever experience.

Unconditional Love

From the day they are born, a child will test your patience. No matter what they do or say, being a mother means you will love your child unconditionally. Children who receive love and attention from their mother are less likely later on to fall in love with someone who offers love conditionally, whether with behavior control or abuse. Show your child how much you love them with hugs and kisses. Listen to your child as they recount their day, play games or slip a note in their lunch box letting them know how much you love them (Ref 1).

Safety and Security

What Are the Essential Characteristics of a Good Parent?

When a woman becomes pregnant, it is her responsibility to provide a safe and secure environment while her baby grows. This responsibility continues once she becomes a mother, whether it's ensuring her child has a roof over its head to keeping monsters away at night and everything in between. Providing your child with a safe and secure environment protects them from abuse and harm as well as help boost their child's mental and emotional development. Provide a safe, healthy environment for children by reducing risks and stress as well as keeping an eye out on children (Ref 2).

Teacher and Disciplinarian

Being a mother means being there to teach your child important rules and roles of life, from being an empathetic human being to learning how to be responsible of one's actions. As your child grows up, they are going to face an onslaught of differing thoughts, opinions and values from their friends, the movies, internet, television and magazines. A mother will help guide their child to figure out their goals and values in life as well as teach them the importance of an education, manners and more. A mother will also discipline their child, a skill that will benefit children throughout their life as well as at school, work and life at home (Ref 3 and 4).

Other Considerations

What are the Effects of the Home Environment on Learning?

Related articles.

Why Should Children Play Sports?

The Definition of Parent Involvement

What Is the Family Impact on Early Childhood Development?

The Importance of Parent Involvement in Early Childhood Education

Why Do Toddlers Laugh When Disciplined?

The Positive & Negative Influences of Parents on Their Children

Social & Emotional Development of Children with Working Parents

The Pros and Cons of Child Discipline

Susan Diranian is a writer for various online publications and magazines, specializing in relationships, health, fashion, beauty and fitness. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English with a concentration in nonfiction writing and editing.

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18 Moms Describe What It Means to Be a Mother

February 11, 2023

What is motherhood? What does it mean to be a mother? These questions are as challenging to answer as they are simple. Yes, to give birth; yes, to adopt children; yes, to have a family. But being a mother is also about much more than that, isn’t it? There’s some large, overwhelming, and beautiful piece at the center of motherhood that is so hard to put words to. It’s a feeling, not an explanation. Maybe that piece is best called love . If so, it is truly a unique love reserved for the mother/child relationship. And when you’ve felt it, you know it.

Since we’re just a few days away from Mother’s Day, we put this question to 18 moms: “What does it mean to be a mother?” The responses we heard were lovely, inspirational, and downright funny! Read them all below.

“For me, motherhood is seeing the profound value in learning about who your children are, and then encouraging and teaching them to be the best versions of themselves. It is my greatest hope that this acceptance and unconditional love will empower and strengthen my children as well as foster self-confidence and kindness!”

—Courtney Westlake blogger, Blessed By Brenna Blog | Instagram | Facebook

“Motherhood is truly a remarkable gift and a privilege that I hold very close to my heart. To me, being a mother means to be fearless, to be a positive role model, to be a continuous cheerleader for every milestone my children will experience, to demonstrate the abundance of unconditional love that has no end and to cherish the countless memories that is truly priceless.”

—Eluka Moore Co-Founder & Author, Kitchen Club Kids Website | Facebook | Twitter

“To me, being a mother is the greatest job in the world. Helping my girls through all the things life throws them, while also lifting them up so they can reach for the stars and grab one! That’s what being a mom is all about—always being there—the shoulder to cry on, the cheerleader to never give up, the one that gives the standing ovation, the familiar hand to hold.”

—Bobbie Rhoads Founder & President, FunBites LLC Website | Facebook | Twitter

“Being a mother means being completely and totally overwhelmed (in the best possible way) by love, joy, responsibility, and selflessness. Motherhood means sleepless nights, big belly laughs, caterpillars on the coffee table, finger-painting in the kitchen, stubbed toes, and gapped toothed grins. Motherhood has made life more colorful than I ever knew it could be. Being a mom means I have two little people who walk around with my heart and soul in the palms of their sweet, smudgy hands.”

—Lauren Casper Blogger Website | Facebook | Twitter

“To me, being a mother means getting to see all the possibility in the world through your children’s eyes, and also wanting to be the kindest and most generous version of yourself, so that your children can look up to you. On a day to day level, being a mother means being tired, sometimes grumpy and never left alone, and then, in one funny, loving or meaningful moment with your kids, realizing that it’s all completely worth it. Times one million.”

—Cara McDonough Blogger Blog | Twitter | Instagram

“Being a mother means being an emotional blankie for your children. They snuggle with you at night, run to you when they’re hurt, and stand behind you in scary situations. There’s nothing more warm and fuzzy.”

—Maia Haag Co-Founder & President, I See Me! LLC. Website | Facebook | Twitter

“For me, being a mother means it is MY responsibility to give my children the tools they need to live a happy and meaningful life. In the case of my daughters, Lily and Melanie, I wanted to empower them with a skill set that would allow them to create independent careers and avoid the glass ceiling…they are on their way with confidence and the sky is the limit.”

—Renee Sandler Founder & CEO, BLAMtastic® Website | Facebook | Twitter

“Being a mother means, knowing when to talk and knowing when to listen…understanding that there is no learning curve. Every day is an adventure (especially when you are raising three boys…Boy oh Boy oh Boy). I would not trade my best day before my kids were born for the worst day after. Motherhood is: a life time adventure, the hardest non-paying 24 hour job you will ever do, and my greatest achievement !”

—Amy Fazackerley Founder, Lay-n-Go Website | Facebook | Twitter

Being a mom means that “sacrificing my body, my time, my finances, my sleep, and my mental health to raise my kids will be worth it in the end, because life isn’t about me anymore.  I just hope my kids survive my weaknesses, and realize I love them more than anything.”

—Heather Bowcutt KidsEmail Website | Facebook | Twitter

“Parenting is raising a child to be the best they can be. Being a mother is different: it means providing that indescribable feeling of comfort, no matter the age of the child. It’s being that person you call on that makes you feel better and doesn’t even need to say anything.”

—Wendy Hunter, MD Pediatrician & Founder of BabyScience.info Website | Facebook | Twitter

“Being a mother means learning, listening, leading, laughing, loving, and living in the moment . . . all while executing the myriad details of life with aplomb.”

—Rana DiOrio Founder/CEO of Little Pickle Presss Website | Facebook | Twitter

“Motherhood is to sleep with one eye open and always worry. To constantly feel guilty about SOMETHING. To have your heart so filled with love you think it might explode and then have it broken all in the space of less that 60 seconds. To be a guide, coach, cheerleader, policewoman, superhero, ‘kissy monster,’ friend and confidant, even when you have the flu and all you want to do is hide under the covers. To do your best and remember in the hardest of times that the tantrums will pass, teenagers grow out of it, nothing ends a bad parenting moment like a big hug, and most importantly that it’s okay not to be perfect.”

—Tova Leigh Blogger Blog | Facebook

“Being a mother means getting your toddler into his car seat as fast as possible (and without any tantrums) when all he wants is to ‘drive’ the car himself. It means leaving the house earlier so you have a few extra minutes to let him sit in the front seat in the driveway and ‘drive’ before going anywhere. Being a mother means trying to make the best of every situation, choosing your battles, and planning ahead!”

“A mother never says to her child, ‘You owe me.’ This is why her love is boundless, endless, seamless, selfless—unconditional. This is why her love multiplies and divides to embrace her own children and then theirs. There is a Mother Theresa in every mother and she should be celebrated (on Mother’s Day and) every day.”

—Roma Khetarpal Author of The Perfect Parent Website | Facebook | Twitter

“Being a mother, with its challenges and rewards, has shaped me into the person I never imagined I could become. Protecting and advocating for our children is something all mothers strive for, and for me this is especially true for my child with autism who needs me as an advocate and a voice. It’s been the best assertiveness training!”

—Lori DeMonia Author of Leah’s Voice and Love for Logan Website | Facebook | Twitter

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39 Comments on “18 Moms Describe What It Means to Be a Mother”

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Motherhood is a privilege to officially gamble in life without an option. To unconditionally love without expectation, to be a great doctor, cheer leader, super hero, trustee and all the very many professions that exist but without education. To be is the best way to find one self and to understand you in life.

One of my dreams is to be a mother; I know that sounds strange, but it is true. So now I understand what it means to be a mother. Thank you for providing this information!

I’m a daughter and I really felt fascinating hearing this and I realized the pains, my mom takes.

Thanks, what an awesome article. Being a Mom is way much stress, but, at the end, your kids still become that super kid you wanted them to be!!!

Am a mother of 4 lovely children which they a my priority despite I lost my husband about 16 years ago at a tender age, s an adventure of unconditional love with positive attitude. As a mother, friend, confidant, & solictors to ourselves on issues that can depriving us frm our moral values & d word sorry to any unplesant situation alwys bring peace & unity to our home

It’s such a privilege to be a mom, The minute you receive that baby whether biologically or through adoption, you definitely feel and embrace that sense of responsibility. Your whole being becomes overwhelmed by love. You become a life coach of another human being and so you have to duplicate the best of yourself. Being a mom is the best thing that happens to every woman. You find a place to share the best of yourself and to be a coach, a discidisciplinarian and an angel at the same time. It’s an endless journey that makes life worth living.

Love it, Liz! That’s beautifully said!

I loved this article and i shared on facebook .My daughter will become a Mom for the first time this coming Feb.and i believe this will be a beautiful read for her.

Thanks for sharing, Kathy! :) Congrats to you and your daughter!

Great article! I love how we can all have different experiences, yet completely relate t one another throungh Motherhood. Power onward, Moms…we celebrate each other!

That is a really beautiful sentiment, Patricia. We all have this huge piece of us (motherhood) that we can totally relate to each other about, no matter what else is going on. That’s a really positive outlook.

Loved this artical!

Awesome! Glad you liked it. Thanks for the comment!

I loved this article! I am a mom to 4 kids under the age of 9 and my youngest is a 3 month old preemie who just recently got released from the NICU. Needless to say I can relate to alot of things in this article. Thank you!

We’re sure you can, Ashley! :) Glad you liked it. And congrats on the new one! :)

Being a mother means getting your eyes peeled open in the early morning lol.

Being a mom is amazing but also really, really hard. Somedays I don’t know how I do it all. LOVE my boys to bits and LOVE being a mom but I do miss the freedom I had before I had my boys.

Yes, it is definitely full of it’s ups and downs. And it sure does keep you busy! We know what you mean about missing the freedom, but be honest…you wouldn’t trade those beautiful children for anything!

This is a great article. Thank you for sharing it.

Thanks for the nice comment Desirae! Glad you like it.

It’s nice to read so many uplifting comments from others who view being a mom the same as me! I had my oldest son 6 years before any of my friends started having kids. It’s a rewarding job!

It is definitely rewarding, Kayla! Like anything else, there are some small ups and downs. But being a parent is the most beautiful and rewarding job in the world!

It’s comforting to hear so many other mothers words that closely resembles the feelings and words that are within myself. We all have the same goals… just different ways of expressing and going about them. If we would allow ourselves to toss aside the external differences and with an open-mind look underneath. We would find that we have more in common with eachother then we sometimes want to believe.

Lacey, that is beautifully said. Thank you! Sometimes differences are really just differences in the way we express ourselves, right? We’re really all after something quite similar. Hope you had a great Mother’s Day!

what a sweet article..Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms!!

Glad you enjoyed it, Valerie! Thanks! Happy Mother’s Day!

Aww such a sweet article. I love hearing how it reflects differently on each mother. Being a mother is the best gift I have received. I loving going through this crazy thing called life with my boys. Happy Mother’s Day to all the mom’s out there!

Yes! We totally agree! Being a mother is the best gift of all! Thanks for the comment, Brittany! Hope you had a great Mother’s Day!

I am a mother and I loved all the stories , some I could really relate to. Such different thoughts and experiences, loved them.

Glad you liked it, Sherry! Hope you had a great Mother’s Day!

Great Comments and Experiences right from the heart Great write up Eluka

Thanks! Glad you like it! Eluka’s contribution is really wonderful!

Awww, I love these sayings, and they are all so true! It makes us realize to never take moms for granted!

Thanks Tiffany! :)

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Descriptive Essay

Descriptive Essay About My Mother

Descriptive Essay About My Mother - A Guide to Writing

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Have you ever wanted to convey the depth of your feelings and appreciation for your mother through words, but felt unsure about how to do it effectively?

Crafting a descriptive essay about your mother can be a challenging task. You want to capture her essence, the love she's given you, and the incredible person she is. 

But how do you put all those emotions into words that truly do her justice?

In this blog, we'll provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to write a heartwarming and meaningful descriptive essay about your mother. 

We’ll also provide essay examples to assist you in crafting an enhanced paper, complemented by valuable tips and guidance.

Let’s get started.

• 1. Descriptive Essay - What You Need to Know
• 2. How to Write a Descriptive Essay About My Mother - 8 Easy Steps
• 3. Examples of Descriptive Essay About My Mother
• 4. Tips to Write a Descriptive Essay About Mother

Descriptive Essay - What You Need to Know

A descriptive essay is a type of essay that uses words to describe an object, person, experience, or place. The purpose of writing this type of essay is to provide the reader with a vivid and clear description of something. The writer must use sensory details, such as sight, hearing, smell, touch, and taste to make the reader experience the topic.

When writing about a person such as your mother, you need to describe the characteristics that make her unique. It can include personality traits or experiences that make her special.

Reading a few essay samples will help you out! So read on to find good examples and tips.

How to Write a Descriptive Essay About My Mother - 8 Easy Steps

Writing a heartfelt and vivid descriptive essay about your mother requires careful consideration. 

Here, we'll guide you through the process step by step, helping you express your feelings and admiration effectively:

Step 1: Choose a Focus

Decide on a specific aspect or trait of your mother that you want to describe. It could be her appearance, personality, nurturing qualities, or a particular event that showcases her character.

Step 2: Brainstorm Descriptive Words

Make a list of adjectives and descriptive words that come to mind when you think about your mother. Try to capture the essence of her being.

Step 3: Create an Outline

Organize your thoughts by creating a descriptive essay outline . Decide on the structure, such as the introduction, body, and conclusion, and what aspects you'll cover in each section.

Step 4: Start with a Hook

Begin your essay with an engaging hook or an anecdote that draws the reader in. It can be a personal memory or a captivating description of your mother.

Step 5: Descriptive Details

In the body of your essay, use sensory details to paint a vivid picture. Describe her appearance, mannerisms, and the emotions she evokes. Incorporate the descriptive words from your brainstorming list.

Step 6: Emotions and Memories

Share your personal emotions and memories associated with your mother. How does she make you feel, and what experiences have shaped your relationship with her?

Step 7: Use Metaphors and Similes

Employ metaphors and similes to enhance your descriptions. Compare her to elements from nature, objects, or anything that can add depth to your portrayal.

Step 8: Show, Don't Tell

Instead of simply stating qualities, show them through actions, interactions, and specific examples. Let the reader experience her through your words.

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Examples of Descriptive Essay About My Mother

Exploring essay examples can provide valuable insights for crafting an essay that deeply connects with your readers. 

Below, you'll find both a descriptive essay about my mother and an analysis of its content.

Why This Descriptive Essay Works

Here are several reasons why this descriptive essay is effective:

• Emotional Connection

The essay immediately establishes an emotional connection with the reader through its theme of a mother's love. The use of descriptive language and personal anecdotes invites the reader to empathize and relate to the feelings and experiences described.

• Vivid Imagery

The essay employs vivid imagery to paint a clear picture of the mother and her attributes. The descriptions of her eyes, hands, voice, and smile create a sensory experience for the reader, making them feel as if they are present with the author.

The essay uses symbolism effectively to convey the depth of the mother's love. The mother's eyes, for example, symbolize her wisdom and the shared experiences with the author. The use of the mother's hands as a source of healing symbolizes her nurturing and caring nature.

• Structure and Flow

The essay is well-structured and flows seamlessly from one descriptive element to another. 

It begins with a general introduction, moves into specific descriptions, and ends with a strong, heartfelt conclusion. This organization keeps the reader engaged and ensures a logical progression of ideas.

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• Emotional Impact

The essay's emotional impact is profound. It not only describes the mother's physical attributes but also delves into the intangible qualities that make her special. The reader is left with a deep sense of appreciation for the role of a mother and the love she provides.

• Relatability

The essay's theme of maternal love is universal, making it relatable to a broad audience. Most readers can connect with the feelings of love, protection, and guidance that the author describes. 

If you still find it challenging to write a descriptive essay, consider these additional examples for guidance.

Descriptive Essay About My Mother PDF

Descriptive Essay About My Mother My Hero

Descriptive Essay Example About Mother

Descriptive Essay About My Mother 200 Words

Descriptive Essay On My Mother's Kitchen

Sample Descriptive Essay About My Mother

Here is a video of another short essay example about mother:

Want to read descriptive essays on other topics as well? Here are more descriptive essay examples that will help you out!

Tips to Write a Descriptive Essay About Mother

Now that you’ve read the examples, let’s look at some tips that will lead you to essay writing success.

• Start with the Basics

Begin by brainstorming ideas of what makes your mother special and why she is important to you. Think about her personality traits, accomplishments, quirks, and unique qualities. In addition, consider the ways that your mother has influenced you and shaped your life.

You can also practice your writing skills with other descriptive essay topics . So write away!

• Create an Outline

Once you have all of your ideas written down, create an descriptive essay outline that will guide the structure of your essay. This should include sections for your introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion.

• Capture Her Essence

Use vivid language to capture the essence of who your mother is. Utilize descriptive words and phrases that will help your reader understand who your mother is and what she means to you.

• Show, Don’t Tell

Instead of simply telling the reader about your mother’s traits or accomplishments, use stories and examples to illustrate them. This will make your essay more interesting to readers.

• Keep Your Tone Consistent

Maintaining a consistent tone throughout ensures a cohesive narrative without feeling disjointed or scattered. This keeps readers interested until they reach their conclusion!

• Don’t Forget the Conclusion

Summarize the main points of your essay in your conclusion and provide a call to action for readers. Maybe you’ll leave them feeling inspired or motivated to do something special for their own mother.

• Revise & Edit Diligently

Revision is key when putting together any written piece. Read over your work multiple times and fix any errors in spelling, grammar, punctuation, etc. Also improve any awkward phrasing or unclear ideas that might not be conveyed effectively enough.

To sum it up,

Writing a descriptive essay about your mother doesn't have to be difficult. With our guide and examples, you can easily write an effective essay that will make your mother proud! So get started today, and create the perfect essay for her!

By following these tips and examples, you will find it easier to write a meaningful descriptive essay about your mother. Good luck!

Looking for a professional descriptive essay writer to write it for you? We're right here for you!

MyPerfectWords.com is the best online essay writing service you can trust for all your essay needs. We offer top-notch essay writing help to you get the best grade possible. Our essay writers are experienced and qualified to handle any essay topic with ease.

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Home — Essay Samples — Life — Single Parenting — Being Raised by a Single Mother: Personal Experience

Being Raised by a Single Mother: Personal Experience

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Published: Aug 14, 2023

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The journey to self-discovery: coping with father's absence, outcomes of being raised by a single mother, final thoughts.

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Being a single mom is the hardest, most empowering thing I’ve ever done

It isn’t easy—but it does teach you how strong you are.

By Sydney Hutt Updated April 27, 2022

When I told my own mother that my husband and I were splitting up , the first thing she asked me was, “Are you sure?” She’d raised my three siblings and I almost single-handedly and insisted that it was “the hardest thing she’s ever done.”

However, I didn’t take her worries too seriously. At the time, I was so jazzed on the idea of independence, too busy scream-singing The Pussycat Dolls’ “I Don’t Need a Man” in the shower that I regarded my mom’s advice about being a single mom as a bridge for Future Sydney to cross.

Related: To the mama just starting the co-parenting journey: The handoffs were the hardest part for me

Well, that future came soon enough. Once I was on my own, I realized that even if I’d already felt like I was doing 90 percent of the parenting and cleaning and general household running many of us moms take upon ourselves, that 10 percent made a huge difference.

1. It’s so much harder than I thought it would be

My husband and I had a routine where he would do the kids’ bath and put them to bed so I could get a break after he got home from work. After he moved out, suddenly that was completely on me, no matter how burned-out I felt .

And not only was I doing all the work during the day, but then once they were asleep there was no one there to help me clean up the hurricane-house, or fold the endless baskets of laundry or to remember to turn the dishwasher on before bed. There was no one to get up with the kids in the middle of the night either, to help soothe their tears, or put them on the toilet , or give out Tylenol for sudden fevers or scrub puke out of the carpet. No one to pick up the prescriptions or forgotten groceries, to catch the things I’d dropped or missed. I’m not going to pretend I wasn’t overwhelmed at first.

2. It’s empowering

Last week, after I killed the second spider I’d found in my house in a matter of days, I sent my mom a triumphant text bragging about my courage. After all, I’d always been able to shriek and have a man rush to crush whatever creepy-crawly had sent me fleeing onto the furniture. In response, my mom texted me back: “Living alone is empowering because it’s not easy.”

And that’s the truth: Being forced to rely entirely on myself for the first time since I was 20 has caused me take on a level of responsibility that’s ultimately made me much, much happier (though also more wrinkly).

3. It’s lonely

One thing I really didn’t expect was the intense isolation that comes with being a single mom. When you’re married, you’re often so used to your partner’s constant presence that you can crave having the house to yourself—an evening alone seems like bliss from a distance.

But quickly I discovered that aaaall that quiet was a huge adjustment. After I put the kids down each night, I was forced to face the long, empty hours before bed that seemed impossible to fill without a companion. The silence was unnerving, and I fantasized about moving into my mom’s house where I could be sure of conversation. But I resisted, and recently, amazingly, I’ve noticed that for the first time ever I’m actually learning how to be alone—and loving it too! But, the odd time I do want to go out…

Related: Motherhood can be lonely, but I want my child to understand the importance of community

4. It’s really tough to get a night away

When I was still married, after my husband got home I’d often take off to the grocery store solo. I’d take my time and stroll down the aisles, pushing my cart like I was a celebrity and they’d closed the store just for me. Sometimes I’d stop by a friends’ house for wine and child-free conversation or go for a drive just to enjoy not reaching backwards groping blindly for a toy as nursery rhymes blare through the speakers. Now that I live alone, I’ve lost that free child-minding a marriage partner offers, and I spend more evenings on the couch yelling at MasterChef Canada than I’d like to admit.

5. The time off isn’t really “off”

Most Friday nights, my ex will swing by and pick up our kids so they can spend the weekend with him. He brings them back on Sundays, meaning I have about one full day without them. Initially, I had ALL the feelings about this arrangement. (What would I do with so much free time?!)

But it turns out, that day off is usually just me catching up on the things I didn’t get a chance to do during the week−a list that is now much longer than it used to be.

Related: What do moms do on their days off? Work

6. You compromise more

There is one fewer parent to go around now and my kids definitely feel it. They act out more than they used to and it seems they’re very aware of the fact that they outnumber me. I’m also unable now to give them each as much of that all-important individual time they enjoyed before my husband and I split. The guilt about this can weigh pretty heavy at times, but I’m learning to recognize that while I’m not giving my girls everything, I really am doing the best I can—and that has to be good enough.

Related: 10 ways to get past conflict with your co-parent

7. You compromise less

Marriage is all about compromise, whether it’s agreeing on paint colors, or household chores or how to spend your money. Since I’ve moved out on my own, I’ve discovered that there is absolute liberation in not having to consider anyone else’s opinion.

My bedroom is the girliest it’s been since I was a teenager, I have books stacked in every corner of my house and if I don’t want to wash the dishes at the end of the night I really don’t have to. My home is entirely mine and it’s a freedom I plan on savoring, along with sleeping smack-dab in the center of the bed and hogging every last pillow.

8. You begin extreme vetting of potential partners

With all this independence and empowerment, I’ve become very unwilling to give up or even share my new life with anyone. I’m being cautious. I’m wary of needing someone too much, of leaning on them instead of myself—it would probably be an easy habit to slide back into. And even now that I am seeing someone, I’ve set serious limits, most of which equal moving about as fast as frozen molasses in terms of how much time and space I’ll devote to our relationship.

I’m not looking for someone to take back that 10 percent and make my life easier—after all, it’s the tough stuff that reminds me what I’m made of.

A version of this story was published July 16, 2017. It has been updated

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I hated the witness at my mother’s murder trial for not saving her. And then I heard him

"They heard my mother scream, saw her kicking, fighting. They were close enough to know she wore gold stud earrings. And the people did nothing."

They called another eyewitness to the stand, this time a person who saw my mother's abduction before she was murdered.

When I read, years ago in the newspaper articles, that there were eyewitnesses, I had imagined small crowds standing on the curb outside the mall, how they held paper shopping bags, so heavy the handles creased their fingers. They were friends and family members who ate at El Chico together, shopped together, until this moment of parting in the parking lot. They laughed and were saying goodbye when they heard my mother scream, when they saw two men pulling on her, saw her kicking, fighting, biting, saw her fists trying to punch, her fingers to gouge. They were close enough to know she wore gold stud earrings. And the people did nothing but watch, too stunned, perhaps, to move. Too afraid to interfere. They simply stood there, their shopping bags weighed down as if by bricks, these people still as stone. And I hated them. Each and every one of them. For watching the show for minutes. I would have done something, I told myself. I would have thrown myself onto the car as the men drove away. I would have punched through the glass if I had to. 

 Instead of a crowd of people in their 30s, having aged not one day since I imagined them into being, I was confronted with Ron Hinther.

In my memory, though, he’s Roy. Because the journalist who wrote from Mom’s perspective wrote it as Roy in his cold case article, a mistake that ends up rewriting the real. Even though I know his name, I still see him as Roy with a heart-shaped face and small-framed glasses, a man with thinning hair who leaned forward on the witness stand, intent to answer questions.

He described how he and his roommate stopped by the mall and saw two men sitting on a planter at the entrance. The men “looked unkempt — unkept and sort of slouching, not having good posture,” he said. He looked at Melissa, the lawyer, as she asked her questions. He held his hands folded in front of his chest. “They seemed to just be sitting there and not do — and just watching.”

“And as you were walking to your automobile, did you notice something unusual?”

This was the moment my family and I had been warned about. “You’re going to hear difficult eyewitness testimony now,” the prosecutors told us just before they called Hinther to the stand. 

This was the moment a person in the crowd would have to account for standing still.

“Yes,” Hinther answered. “We heard a woman yelling help ... I saw a woman and two men, and I believe about — what I see in my mind and I’ve always — since that time have seen in my mind, as I see the back door of the car open, a man at the trunk area, a man kind of holding the door on the back of the door and the woman somewhere in between the two of them at the trunk area of the car on the right — the left side of the car . . .. It happened so quickly. I remember seeing a man hit the woman either in the neck or in the back, she lunges forward, and it kind of propels her into the back seat of the car.”

He paused a lot as he described it. He kept closing his eyes. He lifted his hand to his temple, as if to unlock, in exact detail, the 24-year-old memory. 

“What I remember is the door was shut, a man gets in the front driver’s side, a man goes around the back, gets in the other side of the front door of the car, and that car is backed out in just seconds.”         

“How about their height, their body build?” Melissa asked.

“Always being a small man myself, I know that they were larger than me, I felt like they — I used to sell men’s clothing and I felt — as I’m thinking about it now, probably a 42, 44 jacket,” he said. “It was just a simple thing of backing out of the — and I just remember the taillights. They just backed out into the driving area, and then there must have been a quick exit because I remember the hopeless feeling of standing there and watching those taillights go down Villa.”

He closed his eyes again and shook his head at the memory, and I was right there with him, in the parking lot of the mall, watching the taillights disappear. When he opened his eyes, there were tears in them, and I no longer hated him for doing nothing. Instead I wanted to hold him, this man who knew my mother as I did —“she had not black, but brown wavy hair and a fairly pale complexion” — who couldn’t shake the memory, couldn’t save her, even after all these years.

“Could you see any movement inside the car or anybody inside the car at that point?”

“I remember thinking I hope I can see her head, and I never saw her head rise above the window.”

Melissa passed the witness, and in the time of transitioning between one person at the podium to another, from notes being jotted down, legal pads stacked, folders prepped and passed from hand to hand, Roy and I lingered on that image of the window, waiting for Mom to lift her bleeding head.

The other attorney took the podium and asked him, “Would you say it was dark?”

“Well I — I kind of remember in my mind I see that Oklahoma glow in the — at the end . . .. At the time I do remember the car looking out over those — the row of cars, and it seems like I remember that sunset, just a little bit of red in the — at the edge of the earth.”

The lawyer didn’t pause to consider the backdrop, to wait in the moment of dusk and see the land, flat and dark, spreading out before him, the sky an indigo except at the horizon, where a spot glows red like an ember.

“So you’re saying it’s a four-door vehicle to the best of your recollection?”

After a few more questions, Hinther was passed back to Melissa, who showed him pictures of the Colt. “Do you think — it could have been a two-door car that she was forced inside of?”

“I remember that the door seemed big, and I guess that’s why I was thinking there was a — that’s how they got in so fast, okay . . ..” Roy paused again, studying the pictures of the car, still frames of its taillights and doors. “Well, it makes sense to me that it was — it was difficult for her to get in because there was not a bench seat there, because I had often thought in my mind that she had landed on a bench seat, but she was — it was so hard for her — that’s why it was hard for her to get down and get back there as I see it playing in my mind. And then all they had to do was shut — get in right behind her. . .. To get in a car like that, I would have to put my foot in. And she got down so low, that’s what I — I couldn’t — I understand getting — you have to get down really low to get in those cars and that’s what I saw, and that explains why she was crouching so much.”

 I watched Roy working it out, replaying it, the car in the photo now being rewritten in his mind. His testimony wasn’t as disturbing as I thought it would be. I listened to Roy and kept thinking, this is about memory, the slipperiness of it, the revisions and omissions, the mistakes. I wanted to tell him, We are not that different, you and I, trying to reconcile what lay in front of us with the picture in the past. I watched Roy tearing up and thought about bearing witness, how lost in the common usage of that phrase is its meaning of burden and weight, how his testimony was an attempt at atonement. I thought, there’s such unexpected beauty here, his voice trying to recover what’s been taken, the red at the edge of the earth.

Excerpted from "Rabbit Heart: A Mother's Murder, A Daughter's Story"   by Kristine S. Ervin. Published with permission of Counterpoint Press. Copyright © 2024 by Kristine S. Ervin.

Kristine S. Ervin is the author of "Rabbit Heart: A Mother's Murder, A Daughter's Story," published by Counterpoint Press.