Urban Dictionary defines mother as “The one who loves you unconditionally from birth, the one who puts kids first and the one who you can always count on above everyone else.” And in all honesty, this is the best definition of mother I have been able to find on the internet. In honor of Mother’s Day, I write this article as a thank you to all who have put their children as their first priority.

What I love about the Urban Dictionary definition of mother is that it does not indicate the gender of a mother nor does it say that a mother has to come in a very specific package. No, mothers as they see it are those who have made an effort to better and enrich the lives of the children of this world. Mothers are those who have been able to be there for you time and time again.

I know that this Mother’s Day, not all of us have the privilege of sharing it with our biological mothers, for many reasons. Maybe our relationship with our true mothers are unhealthy, perhaps our mothers have since passed. But however you find yourself, we owe it to their efforts to celebrate these maternal efforts made by others on our behalf every day; not just one Sunday in May.

I think about the mothers I know, the true heroes that have made a difference in the community I am a part of. I think of the single mom who has to take on two jobs to support her family. I think about the fathers who have taken time out of their busy schedules to coach soccer or go to Boy Scout meetings. I think of single fathers who proudly wear the tiara to the tea parties. I think about the grandparents who are raising their grandchildren, sacrificing their retirement to better the young life they love unconditionally. I am also reminded of those who have grown up without a family of their own, those who have been adopted or fostered. Complete strangers sharing in an unconditional love that can only be described as divine.

To those in our lives who have unconditionally loved our youngest and our weakest. To you, my deepest thanks and praise. Your sacrifice, your passion and dedication to enriching their lives, our lives, and bettering society by doing so is truly one that should win the medal of honor.

So, though Mother’s Day has come and gone, it does not mean that our gratitude is limited to one day. Rather, our celebration and thanksgiving for those in our lives who truly do make a difference should be continuous and overflowing. It is our duty and our joy that we honor those who have given of themselves so that we can gain.

Mother; one who loves you unconditionally and the one who puts you first.

Mother; another word for hero.