A few weeks ago, my wife was chatting with her 80-something-year-old mother when she heard the words, “I miss you.” And that was it, those three simple words changed everything.
Yirong hadn’t seen her mom since the pandemic, and hearing that gentle longing in her mother’s voice made the distance feel even greater. So she did what loving daughters do—she dropped everything and started planning.
She talked to her colleagues at work, arranged her schedule, and booked a 15-hour flight to Shanghai. It was a long journey, but it was a small price to pay for something so important: to be with her mom for Mother’s Day.
She’s there now, enjoying a couple of weeks in the city where she was born, with the woman who raised her and the sister who walked the path of motherhood alongside her. It’s a full-circle moment, seeing the roots of the wonderful woman and mother Yirong has become.
She even asked our son if he wanted to come along, but being a young man, he politely declined. Still, I know one day he’ll understand the depth of what she’s doing.
This is what Mother’s Day is about. It’s not about cards or flowers, as lovely as those are. It’s about showing up. About remembering where we come from, and honoring the people who shaped us with their love, their strength, and their quiet sacrifices.
I wish my parents were still alive to show them the same love and affection. And as I think about what this day means, I can’t help but reflect on my own mother, Margarita.
She was strong, selfless, and unwavering. She taught me through her actions what it means to care deeply, to work hard, and to never give up on those you love. Even though she’s no longer with us, her voice still guides me. Her love still steadies me. That’s the kind of impact a mother has—it never leaves you.
So today, let’s honor all the mothers in our lives. The ones who raised us. The ones who held us during sleepless nights. The ones who made sacrifices, we didn’t even see until we were older. The ones who are still with us, and the ones we carry in our hearts.
Mother’s Day isn’t just a holiday, it’s a reminder to show up. To pick up the phone. To book the flight. To say “I love you” and “I miss you” while there’s still time.
To all the mothers here and everywhere, you are our first home, fiercest advocates, and most enduring source of love.
To all the mothers, and every mother lover, and who isn't? Thank you. MoM should be deeply loved and missed when she is far, and endlessly cherished when she is near.