Interview
Sunday Edit: Mother is more than a title; it’s a feeling.
On Mother's Day, we pay tribute to motherhood in all its forms. There is no one way to be- or feel like a mother – or even to become one. Oftentimes we find the motherly in others, a good friend, a sister, a father or a grandmother.
At Rudolph Care, Mother's Day is a special date to focus on care and love for someone who is there for you. Sunday Edit asked Louise, Louis and Desirée from the Rudolph Care team to share their thoughts on motherhood.
Louise, Marketing Specialist at Rudolph Care
What does the word ‘mother’ mean to you?
“It is most associated with longing: I lost my mother almost 11 years ago and I still miss her terribly. Fortunately, the feeling of loss has been replaced with so many good memories, as well as a feeling of infinite love that sits deep within me. To me, mother is closeness, security and loving wisdom.”
How do you remember your mother? How is she with you, even though she is no longer here?
“I remember her most in everyday life – when I’m with my children, at work and on the many occasions where I would have sought her support and guidance. When my husband and I laugh until tears roll, I always send my mum a loving thought. I used to laugh like that with her. She is deeply embedded in me and I'm proud of that. I’ve even inherited her clumsiness, which makes me happy to have something of her in me.”
What have learned from your relationship with her since becoming a mother yourself?
“That you can never love too much – and that you should cherish and nurture unconditional love. I kiss and hug my children as often as they let me. That it’s okay to make mistakes; tomorrow is a new day and we can start over. My mum was incredibly tolerant towards everyone and radiated a calmness and poise that was contagious. I try to be aware of that and imitate it with my daughters, but it's often easier said than done.”
Who do you go to for advice when you miss a loving conversation about motherhood?
“My dad. From the day I lost my mother, he took on both parenting roles. He calls and talks as much as my mum did, if not more. It's lovely. I also reach out to my sisters a lot. Soon after I lost my mum, I thought a lot about how my children would never meet her and that made me incredibly sad. But they have the world's best grandmother in my father's new wife, who loves them unconditionally. She also helps me with any questions I have about my girls. I cherish her so much.”
Louis, Sustainability Specialist at Rudolph Care
What does the word ‘mother’ mean to you?
“Unconditional love. Mother is where you can always find security; one so sincere that for a time it can whisper all worries away. This is my experience and one I see every day in my own children.”
Who do you celebrate on Mother's Day and what do you admire about their way of being a mother?
“I’m not particularly good at celebrating Mother's Day, but this year I'll be celebrating my lovely wife — and sending loving words and flowers to my mother. The quality I admire (and sometimes envy) in my wife is the openness and generosity she shows towards our children. It doesn't matter when or where — even if she’s sick and running a fever, she always has time and energy for our children.”
What has your wife taught you about motherhood?
“I don't know if teach is the right word. I am more inspired by her. It’s amazing to watch her mother our children. It’s difficult to put into words because it’s a feeling that resembles pride, but not quite that. I think I need to reflect on that more.”
What is her greatest strength?
“Without a doubt it is the enormous surplus of energy and time that a mother has for her children. You won’t find that anywhere else.”
Desirée, SoMe Manager at Rudolph Care
What does the word ‘mother’ mean to you?
“A role model with a huge responsibility, respect, love and security.”
Describe your relationship with your mother and what it means to you?
“Our relationship hasn’t always been a bed of roses. I’m happy that we have finally found each other and now have the best mother/daughter relationship. My mum was very strict with me when growing up. She went through a lot when she was young, which was difficult for her to come to terms with. She came to Denmark from the Philippines with my grandmother, Lola, in the 1970s, when she was 12 years old. I have a lot of respect for their decision to create a different life and dream of a better future together.”
How do you feel her presence despite the distance?
“My mum lives in the United States. We FaceTime almost every day, even if we don't have much to say to each other. She would rather not miss anything and in this way, she feels that she is part of our everyday life. I miss her often, especially since she got more grandchildren and doesn't have her family around the corner. There are lots of virtual hugs and kisses.”
What have you learned from your relationship with her since becoming a mother yourself?
“That motherhood is the hardest but the greatest gift in life. And that I can handle much more than I think. We have always supported each other, despite the difficult choices we each have made.”