Wellbeing with Carly

The day that I became a mum was nothing like I had imagined it. It was nothing like what I had seen in the movies. There was no time to play relaxing music, sit on a gym ball, or pace around the room. I was told that I had a tear in my waters and that I would be induced. Just like that I was on the bed, hooked up to all the machines and thrown into the most painful, most difficult part of labour, without any gentle lead up to it. It was messy, complicated and yet beautiful all in one. Like many things in life.

Life doesn’t always end up how we had imagined it would. It is messy and complicated… but it is also beautiful. Family celebrations like Mothers Day often reminds us of this.

You see there are many types of Mothers. Biological Mothers, Step Mothers, Adopted Mothers and Foster Mothers. Younger Mothers and Older Mothers. Mothers who live with us, Mothers who live far away, Mothers who we know so well and Mothers who some have never met. Single Mothers, Widowed Mothers, and those who desperately want to be Mothers. Sometimes Grandparents can step in as Mothers. Mothers who are still with us today and Mothers who have passed away. 

Families can be messy and complicated… But Mother’s Day is for you, all of you. 

A Mother’s Day Poem 

There are angels on this earth, who care for us and guide us. 

You can feel their love and gentleness, as they walk through life beside us. 

They do great things for us every day, they whisper in our ears. 

They even hold us in their hearts when we are filled with fears. 

They are always there to give a hug and try to make us smile. 

They treat us with respect and love, they treat us like their child. 

God blessed me with an angel, I’m proud to call my own. 

She’s been with me throughout my life, been with me as I’ve grown. 

She’s guided me the best she can, she’s taught me like no other. 

I’m thankful I’m the lucky one, who gets to call her… Mother. 

Happy Mother’s Day to all the wonderful Mums out there! And to anyone who might be doing the role of Mother. We know that being a parent can be a tough gig! We appreciate all that you do for your families! You are amazing! 

There is no one size fits all approach to Mother’s Day. For some it is a day to celebrate, for some it comes with sadness. Whatever this day might mean to you, I encourage you to pause for a moment and acknowledge it. I hope you can find the beauty. If you are struggling, or feeling overwhelmed, remember that you are not alone. It sometimes helps to talk about it, let someone know how you are feeling. Please let the school know if you would like some help with this. 

“The love that being a parent brings does not grow inside the womb, it grows inside the heart.” – Anonymous 

Carly Cassidy – carly.cassidy@education.vic.gov.au

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