My Story
I never knew my mom. She was from the Philippines and came to the US as a nurse. She met my dad, they fell in love, got married and a few years later when I was only 9 months old she passed away. I don’t have any memories of her and I never knew much about her.
Last year, I had the opportunity to travel with Compassion International to see the work they do on behalf of children in need. It was one of those God things. Because out of all the countries where they work…the country they invited me to travel to? The Philippines. I’d never been there, I’d never met my family there. I grew up with my blonde, blue eyed dad and his side of the family. I knew nothing about my moms heritage.
I remember walking off the plane in Manila feeling overwhelmed. For the first time in my life, I was surrounded by people who looked like me. I was going see my mother’s country… the sights she saw, and through more miraculous circumstances, 18 of her family members were traveling all the way to Manila just to meet me.
As I stood at the airport, waiting for everyone to get their luggage, I couldn’t stop the tears …… there I was, a grown woman, crying….for a mother I never even knew
Don’t let anyone ever tell you that motherhood isn’t the most powerful thing you can do. I never even knew my mom, how much more of an impact are you going to have in the lives of your children that you love, teach and hold every single day?
Mother’s Are Irreplaceable
You see, a mother’s space never closes. You could be the CEO of a company, but when you retire, there is someone waiting to take your place. You could win the Nobel Peace Prize, an Academy Award or a Grammy but after a couple years, no one will remember that you won. But a mother? A mother is never forgotten. After 35 years my mother is never forgotten.
What you do every single day may not win praise or awards, but it will always be remembered.
Motherhood is powerful
Through Your Child’s Eyes
And if you need more proof of the power of your role, I want you to see yourself through the eyes of your child.
To your child you are a superhero – you can get the straw in the Caprisun without squirting juice all over yourself. You can even get those itty bitty flat Lego pieces apart. You are a super hero.
To your child, you are a rockstar – No other song soothes them at night like yours. And when you pick up your child from Sunday school, you have your Taylor Swift moment. You know what I’m talking about. That moment when they see you and their eyes light up. They scream your name and run to you with open arms. You are a rock star.
To your child, you are a supermodel – in your pony tail and your sweats there is no other woman in this world as beautiful as you. They have eyes only for you. You are a supermodel.
You’re a mom, you’re kind of a big deal.
(So, the next time you have to fill out a form at the bank or doctor’s office and you have to put something in that occupation box, I want you to write, “I’m a Mom – I’m kind of a big deal.”)
Motherhood is Powerful
I’ll never know what its like to have my mom, but every single day I get to try to be the woman I always dreamed she was.
God chose each of us, just as we are to be the mothers of our children. What a powerful opportunity. Lets give it everything we have.
About Kat
That was really beautiful! I want to know more about your reunion! It must have been wonderful for your family who did know your mother to see you. They probably recognized mannerisms and similarities that you didn’t even know you had. And aside from that, your points about being a rock star are awesome! I def have to pay better attention to that and appreciate my 3 biggest fans!
Mary @ A Productive Endeavor
aproductiveendeavor.blogspot.com
Oh Kat, you always make us cry (in a good way, of course)! This is something that a lot of us moms need to hear. This message sometimes gets lost in the diaper-changing, booger-wiping translation. Thank you for the reminder. I’m a big deal!
Kat , this is such a very touching post. I am so glad you got the chance to visit the Philippines, and hope that it will not be the last time.
There will come a time in our lives when we look back at it, we will learn that all the pieces of the puzzle suddenly will fit in. That all of a sudden, the answers that you have stopped searching in a way will just find you ,only for you to realize that they have just been there, waiting for you give them a second look.
Have a blessed day !
I hope that some of those questions finally had beeb answered.
Wow, thank you for this post. I truly fail to give myself enough credit where motherhood is concerned. I am kind of a big deal in all of my babies lives aren’t I!
Drina,
Yes, you are! A mother is ALWAYS famous to someone.
Wow, Kat… this almost had me crying. I do spend a lot of time feeling like no big deal… but I shouldn’t.
My 3yo told me (while in my worn out jeans and old t-shirt, of course) I was "bootiful" and "adorable" a couple days ago (it was the "adorable" that really tickled me!)… I do love ‘seeing through their eyes’ every once in awhile.
Kali,
Oh that is so precious!! I like to think our children see us more like God does, than we do. In all their innocence, honesty and purity of heart…they see us as wonderful.
Love this post! Can’t wait to fill out an occupation form. Mom- I’m kinda a big deal- LOVE IT! I also love your point about being irreplaceable. Great points to consider as we go about our days as Mom. We should all be secure and confident in the life of motherhood. There is no greater honor.
Amanda,
"There is no greater honor."
Truly. Our accolades and awards may be few and far between, but our impact is felt for generations upon generations. That is no small thing…
Wonderful Kat,
Your story always touches a chord deep in my heart. I think the Lord has blessed you with such skill to communicate and a great heart to reach out and encourage so many of us. I appreciate you so much today and send my love and prayers your way!
Sally,
What an encouragement and inspiration you have been to me. It’s such an honor to be sharing my story here. Thank you, thank you for all you do for moms like me.
This is a beautiful reminder of the importance and wonderful blessing Motherhood truly is, thank you so much for this lovely post
You’re so welcome Renee!
Beautiful and i an inspired. Even as we fill this role daily, i always like to ask for Grace to be the best. It is a high calling and great responsibility. Yes I am a mom and i am kind of a big deal. God bless you.
Fijabi,
"Grace to be the best" – I love that! I’ll be praying that today too…
Thank you for that! I had tears in my eyes when I read it…I was feeling discouraged and wanting to ship off at least my oldest (11) to school because he’s so difficult. But I had forgotten just how special I am to each of them. They actually "want" to be with me and if I cultivate the relationship now when they are young, they will hopefully be my best friends when they become adults. And who knows how long I will live on this earth? I could be gone tomorrow…I need to make memories now and LOVE on my kiddos while I still have the chance. Thank you for the reminder!
Jennifer,
Yay! I’m so glad you’ve been encouraged! You ARE special to them, each day is a gift…sometimes a frustrating, tiring, difficult gift, but a gift nonetheless.
Thank you friend, for sharing your heart and your own story here with us. I so appreciate you and your words.
Thanks for the opportunity, Kristen! You’ve done such a great job putting together this space.
Wow! So inspiring! Thanks!
Wow, this is a moving post. Thank you for sharing your experience. I lost my mom in a horrible accident 12 year ago. I didn’t even get to say goodbye. I miss her so much every day. I regret that I didn’t get to say "I love you" one more time. As time goes by, it becomes more clear to me what a huge impact my mother had in my life. I think about this with my children. I want to be a good mom to them. I want them to never doubt my love for them. I want them to remember the good things, and hopefully not all my mistakes!
If the Lord chooses to take me away from them, I would want them to be secure and confident in God’s and my love for them. I absolutely love being a mom, even on the bad days. 
Thank you for this post!
Love this, Kat! Love it. You just put an extra spring in my step today, knowing I’m a big deal and all
Thank you!
I love this. I was so struck by these words when you shared this story at the MomHeart conference; what a sweet gift to have them in print – to be remembered, re-read and shared. Thank you for your encouragement!
This POST is powerful! Kat, your PERSPECTIVE is powerful. These WORDS are powerful, "a mother’s space never closes." All of the books and everything I’ve ever read on mothering never gave me this point of view. Thank you for your heart. What a beautiful, amazing work God is doing through your humble spirit.
What a great post! Thank you for sharing a part of you too. I am a mom and yes, I am kind of a big deal. Love it!
Tears came to my eyes as I read your story. Thank you so much for sharing. You have a way with words that just warms my heart.
Thank you! I needed to hear that!
Kat, I remember reading your story during the Compassion trip last May and bawling my eyes out. And here I am again still crying. Your story testifies powerfully to the incredible importance of motherhood! Thank you for sharing, friend ~ God uses you in such big ways. Much love to you and yours.
What an amazing and powerful post.
This touched me more then you will ever know. You see, I am a mother of a child with autism and each day is a struggle. Each day brings about new challenges. This particular week has been tough; very tough. And last night I lost it and had a breakdown. I felt like the worst mother on earth.
Your post has made me realize that its’ the little stuff that makes a difference and that no matter what happens, I am a good mom.
Love, love, love your sweet, encouraging perspective. I was moved to tears when I heard you share this in February, at the MomHeart Conference, where I enjoyed meeting you.
I’m excited to share it with the young moms I know. Blessings to you.
Palpable heart here, Kat.
thank you for sharing your’ life’s underbelly…
many many blessings!
I LOVE this post. Thank you for sharing your heart. And for reminding us that what we do really does matter.
Kat,
I am a mama whose children are much older than yours… I have been reading your blog for a year now… I have to tell you that you inspire me. When I read the words "I never knew my mom, how much more of an impact are you going to have in the lives…" – it makes me breathless and your TRUTH words battle the lies and accusations that come against me daily, of my inadequacies as a mama…. I bless you, and as a Mama, I can tell you that I am so proud of you, and your beautiful giving heart, not just for your children, but for us – the other mamas who you touch and cheer on daily… I bless you. I know that your beauty and transparency are so beautiful to the One who created you… Thank you.
Kat,
Thank you so much for your perspective. In the midst of raising 7 kids and more chickens than I can count, some days I just get tired and feel lost in the shuffle. I forget how important it is to stop and truly listen to their little stories and look deeply into their wide eyes. Thanks for the reminder!
This is beautiful, Kat. Thanks for this beautiful perspective. It’s so easy to lose sight of.
my oh my Kat…tears. Your story, my story, all of us collectively as mothers—yes, we are kind of a big deal:) Thank you for these powerful, straightforward words.
I cry every time I think about this.
By the way, when I fill in that box I always write Domestic Engineer. It’s definitely a fitting title.
Thank you again, Kat, for sharing your story!
Kat, thank you so much for sharing this. What a beautiful reminder. Your story is so touching.
Thanks for this…sometimes I forget how special being a mother is. My daughter is 2 1/2, she’s a smart kid and she can recognize her name in writing. However, every single time someone asks her what her name is, she always answers "Mama!" No matter how many times I coach her to say her real name when someone asks, she insists that her name is Mama. She so wants to be me!
Kat,
I lost my mom when I was 3 and was adopted by a woman who didn’t really want to fill the role. There are so many times I ache for both of them. It’s so true…the role is never filled. We are rock stars to our kids. They love us so unconditionally sometimes it amazes me.If I don’t do anything else right I always want them to know I love them and I am here for them.
I cried, I laughed…you have such a gift. Thanks for sharing it with us!
In Him,
Joyce B
yes I’m crying.
Thanks!
Thank you.
I’m totally bawling like a baby. Thanks!
So funny that you would have this post, this week. I’ve been having your "I’m a mom, I’m kind of a big deal" message in my head all week. My youngest, in kindergarten, came home on Monday with homework to fill in about mom and dad. My mom works at…. My mom is a….. At work my mom does….
Love that kid.
His answer was "My mom is a mom" and he was quick to tell me the teacher said that was an okay answer. I tried to get him to add… "and she’s kind of a big deal", but he wouldn’t have any of it. "Um, mom? Ms. Harp didn’t say it was okay to put that…so I’m just gonna put you’re a mom, ok?"
Thank you for this message… at Momheart, and today. It’s one that will be in my head whenever that question, "What do you do?" comes up. I love that!
Not only am I a mom to my 2, but a step mom to 3. And quite often it’s a tough path to stand on. Thank you for validating that I am worthwhile and matter. Motherhood, the job that takes about 30 years to reap from one’s labor. But your blog reminded me that I reap every day. With the little things that tend to get overlooked by the overwhelming consumption of energy, pouring all we are out into the next generation. Thank you again.
Thank-you.
Thank you!
What a wonderful experience and memory! It’s been a year and a couple of days since my mother passed. Although I live a couple of thousand miles away from where she did, I was blessed to be able to visit a couple of weeks beforehand. My last words whispered in her ear were, "I love you, Mom. God loves you."
This is such a sweet post. My mother is alive but she’s never been a "mother" in my life, so I’ve always struggled with the things you miss by not having a mother in your life. You know what I mean I’m sure. Thank you for sharing your story!
Wonderful post. I had to email it to as many moms as I could think of! =)