By Kathy Groob, Founder ElectWomen

Your first love was your mother. And while all mothers want to hold on to those tiny precious hands, we know that from a baby, an adult will rise.  There is a collective bond that all mothers share that is built upon our innate devotion and protection of all children. As mothers, when a child is hurt or suffering, we feel it.

The role of mothers is complicated by the individual challenges and circumstances we face throughout our children’s lives.  I am certain that as mothers, we have wishes for our children and desire them to live a fulfilled life.  Although I’ve never been asked about my wishes for my children, I do believe that as mothers, we have common wishes for our children.

We wish for children to be free from suffering and sorrow at least until their shoulders are large enough to carry it.

Our wish is that each child is empowered to develop her or his own unique talents and abilities, free from criticism and ridicule.

We wish that our communities and schools are safe and secure because we know that children will thrive when surrounded by a safety net.

Our wish is for a world that values peace, acceptance and allows free expression of thoughts and lifestyles.

There is no one more proud than a mother when a child displays kindness, sincerity and true strength of character.

While not expecting too much, mothers do hope and wish that their children develop into responsible, independent, successful adults.

Mothers are not perfect, and we wish that our children will remember us warmly and will forgive any shortcomings that may have made us seem difficult at times. Sometimes it was our job to say no.  And sometimes we could not fix what was outside of our control.

We wish that our children find true happiness in their personal lives, careers and with their own families, whatever shape or form that may take.

Now that my children are grown and are self-sufficient; finding their own lives, my wish is that they will always know that my love for them is never ending.