Emily,

Thank you for this post...... yes it is very confusing....... having an emotionally abusive, physically abusive and neglectful mother could have left me not knowing how to feel or how to be---- however---- I was a "watcher"..... in that I mean, I watched the neighbor kid's mothers and TV mothers and realized what a mother should be.

I used to wish I was part of any of those families I watched and made it a goal in my life to be one of those mothers.

Even though I can't celebrate my own mother, mothering me---- I celebrate the concept of being a "mother" and all that goes with it-- the nurturing, compassion and gentleness.

--- Rapunzel--- your post was so honest and touching, thank you for sharing. Also, please know-- if you feel you haven't been as good of a mom as you could be--- it's not too late, it's never too late.
I believe in you!

To all mothers and also those that resonate motherhood---

***sorry, I'm a day late on this!! ***