Mother’s Day feels different when your life doesn’t fit into one place. I’ve been thinking a lot about the women who shape this unconventional journey for me.
My mom and I talk often, even with the distance and time zones. We stay connected in our own way—quick check-ins, sharing updates, little glimpses into each other’s days. In a life that’s always moving, there’s something comforting about that kind of consistency. My sister is in the throes of being a toddler mom, and we check in often. I remember how exhausting that stage was. My best friends from childhood are moms too, and we love seeing their kids grow up.
And then there’s my stepmom. We lost her five years ago, and not a Mother’s Day goes by without thinking about her. She brought her own kind of warmth and strength into our lives—quiet, steady, and deeply felt. Traveling has a way of creating space for reflection, and sometimes it’s in these new, beautiful places that I feel her absence the most. But also, in a strange way, her presence too—in the way I parent, in the patience I try to practice, in the moments I slow down and really see my kids.
Motherhood on the road is a whole different kind of experience. And I wouldn’t want to do it without the other moms we’ve met along the way. The “travel moms.” The ones who show up at parks, on group dinners, during long days and chaotic moments. The ones who help keep an eye on Lucas and Henry when everything gets a little hectic. The ones who understand exactly what it’s like to raise kids outside a traditional routine—and don’t judge the messy parts. There’s something special about building that kind of community in temporary places. We share stories, swap tips, vent when needed, and celebrate the small wins—like getting through a long travel day or finding a new favorite spot the kids love. They’ve made this life easier, lighter, and a lot more fun.
Motherhood, for me, isn’t just about the two boys who made me a mom. It’s also about the women who raised me, shaped me, and now stand beside me—whether they’re across the ocean or sitting next to me at a café in whatever city we’re calling home this month.
Today feels like a good day to hold all of that together—the love, the loss, the support, and the gratitude. And to say thank you.
