“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 are truly priceless.”
—Eluka Moore
This Mothers Day we gathered at La Rinconada Country Club in Los Gatos, California to honor and celebrate the lives of five awesome mothers: Kim Chien, mother of Kyle and Chip, Al and Rich Chien’s mother Dana who was present with their father Jack, Rich’s wife Lisa, mother of their lovely daughters Simone and Alivia, my beloved wife Cecile, mother of our son Jason and daughter Michelle and last but not least, our beloved Michelle herself, who celebrated her first Mother’s Day with our son-in-law Kyle and our five month old granddaughter and precious cargo Lyla, who really gave power to her babbling baby-speak voice that kept us all entertained and rapt with joy.
It was a beautiful Spring Day. When we entered the club, there were mimosas and champagne waiting for us on a flower decorated wooden table. After getting settled and visiting with one another we helped ourselves to an elaborate buffet brunch and dessert table.
There was ample time for group pictures and for the mothers to open their presents.
On Mother’s Day, we celebrate the lives of our beloved mothers who gave birth to us and offered a sheltering presence in their own bodies. When we are born and as we continue to grow, they begin to fashion an invisible terrain that provides us a refuge and a sense of freedom to discover the contours of our own lives as we continue on to adulthood.
I have no doubt that our daughter Michelle will continue to become a great mother to Lyla as she has been blessed to have her devoted mother as a wonderful role model.
What follows is a poem by Kristen David (February 2003) about the joys of motherhood. I can safely say these were the wishes of Cecile when she gave birth to Jason and Michelle:
From the moment you were born
I knew what love was really about
I loved you more than anything
Beyond the shadow of a doubt
The bond I felt was unbreakable
And instantly I knew I spend eternity
Thanking God for my miracle—YOU…
One day in the future
God will bless you with a miracle too
Then you will know the depth of love
That I will always have for you
I will be here for you always
And forever and a day
Loving you unconditionally
Every step along the way.
