Currently, I’ve become inspired reading I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou. She was quoted once saying, “Each one of us has lived through some devastation, some loneliness, some weather superstorm or spiritual superstorm, when we look at each other we must say, I understand. I understand how you feel because I have been there myself. We must support each other and empathize with each other because each of us is more alike than we are unalike.”

Dr. Angelou’s quote says a lot. Her words gracefully speak to our deep wanting or wishing to feel, be seen, valued, appreciated, heard and loved. With Mother’s Day approaching, I feel we should reflect upon the word “understand” while valuing, revering, and appreciating the mothers and positive difference makers in our lives.

I acknowledge that Mother’s Day can trigger an assortment of emotions. I personally never experienced a mother’s love but under no circumstances was I unloved. Close friends mothers, and families always made it a requirement to keep Brian smiling. As we continue to reconcile as a community and recapture the unprecedented past year, having endured loss in various ways, our emotions this weekend may be abnormally raw and outright painful. Despite that, think about Dr. Angelou’s quote as it speaks about understanding. About touching someone’s soul providing you with a future reflection of kindness.

So, as we celebrate the mothers in our lives, from our partners, wives, sisters, aunts, teachers, mentors, and friends, let’s appreciate that each of us stands on the shoulders of someone’s guidance, support, love, courage and sacrifice. None of us has gotten to where we are today by ourselves. Yet, these mother’s helped shape our personalities, broken down barriers, and paved the path for us with love.

So, to the mothers in our lives, I thank you:

• Thank you for your unconditional love
• for believing in me when I didn’t believe in myself
• for your teachings and timeless wisdom to never accept the status quo
• for lighting the way amidst the darkness
• for offering clarity during chaos
• for your mentorship
• for giving me the access and opportunity to inspire
• for your time, energy, selfless acts of love
• and for continually making me feel like somebody and valuable.

While my words will never convey the heartfelt gratitude I hold for the mothers throughout my life; I can continue to honour and celebrate each of you by how I live, love, serve and lead.

Thank you, Colleen, Irene, Judy, Jeanne, and most importantly, Nicole.

Love,

Brian Nadon