At 19 years old I never thought I would be called mom.
No, I do not have a child nor do I plan to anytime soon. I did, though, become a "mom" two years ago. During beach week my senior year, it began with small things like making sure everyone had sunscreen on. I would hear things like “thanks, mom!” and “You’re such a mom."
When I got to college I didn’t expect it to grow like it did. I became a “hall mom”. I would sit and listen for hours to people talk about whatever was on their mind and would offer whatever I could to help or even just to make them smile. Most of the conversation would then end with a “thanks mom!”. Until a few weeks ago, I wasn't sure what it meant to be “mom."
The further into life I get, the more I understand that holding this title comes with great honor and responsibility. Being the "mom" of your friend group holds a lot of weight, not intentionally, leading you to bearing others' burdens. You feel their pain and joy. When your "child" is hurting, you do everything you can to take that from them. The bad stuff that we take gets hidden deep inside us because we care too much.
Caring can be a curse and a gift. It can make you stressed, but it can also bring you the most meaningful life one can experience. That moment when you get a phone call from one of your children telling you about something they just accomplished is a moment where your heart swells with pride and happiness. The curse in the blessing of this is the constant fear that you will fail as a friend.
What if you can’t help them? What if you lose them? The reality is we are not Superman, but we will always be there no matter what. We tend to feel like we are never doing enough for you because we want you to be happy all the time. To the “moms” out there, keep being you because you’re an amazing friend and they are lucky to have you. If you have that mom friend, don’t lose them.
Talk to them, hug them (because most of us love hugs), and love every minute you’re with them because I promise they love you and every minute with you.
