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Trevor Otieno (he/him/his), Low Entropy Volunteer Writer

“A mother is the truest friend we have, when trials heavy and sudden fall upon us; when adversity takes the place of prosperity; when friends desert us; when trouble thickens around us, still will she cling to us and endeavor by her kind precepts and counsels to dissipate the clouds of darkness and cause peace to return to our hearts,” said Washington Irving—words that echo through generations, cultures and across every part of the wild, wide world. When the storms of life rage and the world grows quiet, a mother’s voice can cut through the chaos with calm, compassion and clarity. And while many may think of motherhood as a personal or family role, it is, in truth, a societal cornerstone.

Mother tongue, Mother Earth, Mother Nature and motherland are all terms that reflect the nurturing, life-giving and sustaining power that mothers represent. These terms are more than just metaphors; they are recognitions of the crucial role mothers play in forming society as a whole, as well as in our individual lives. A mother is at the center of every flourishing community; she is frequently unsung and unseen, but always strong.

Mothers serve as our first teachers during the formative years of our lives, laying the groundwork for who we become in our homes, as opposed to institutions. They teach more than just how to eat, walk or talk. They instill morals. In their care, we first learn about love, kindness, patience and resilience. These lessons go on to influence not only the individuals we become, but also the kind of societies we create.

A mother is an institution as well as a person. She is the teacher who teaches without a classroom, the healer who soothes without a prescription and the spiritual mentor who brings peace without sermons. Her love is incalculable and her wisdom surpasses formal education. Although a mother’s sacrifices are frequently overlooked, their effects are felt for generations to come.

Mothers are at the heart of innumerable success stories, whether they are boldly paving the way or quietly encouraging from the background. Athletes, artists, leaders and visionaries frequently attribute their strength and morals to their mothers. Dreams are encouraged and confidence is born as a result of their nurturing. A mother’s faith in her child is frequently unwavering through good times and bad. Mothers remain pillars of strength and transformation outside the home. They balance careers, advocate for their families, contribute to their communities and shape national conversations—sometimes all at once. Their contributions are incalculable, regardless of whether they are stay-at-home parents, working professionals or someone in between.

A mother’s influence endures even when she is not there. When making decisions, her words reverberate. Our treatment of others reflects her values. Her love endures and becomes ingrained in our foundation. A legacy of tenacity, love and wisdom, this ageless bond between mother and child endures beyond space and time, and is passed down through the generations.

To honor our mothers is to honor life in general. They should be publicly acknowledged for their sacrifices, which are frequently made in silence. Their unselfish love is deserving of a generous return. Whether through heartfelt words, small acts of kindness or simply spending time together, celebrating mothers should not be limited to one day or month, but embraced every single day.

I salute you.

Today, I choose to celebrate all mothers in their beautiful diversity. A mother’s instincts, feelings and thoughts are often deeply intuitive and right. I raise my voice in honor of the women who would catch a bullet for their child—mothers whose love knows no limits. Let my words reverberate throughout the world, on every continent. Families, communities and nations would not exist without mothers. In addition to bringing us into the world, they have influenced and molded the modern societies in which we live.

My thoughts and prayers are with all mothers who have suffered the loss of a child. Your fortitude in the face of unspeakable suffering is incredibly motivating. Thank you for redefining love in its purest form, to all the mothers who have welcomed adopted children into their hearts. Every mother who is raising her kids by herself is a warrior, demonstrating to the world that unwavering love, bravery and tenacity can overcome any obstacle. We honor you today. Therefore, let’s express our gratitude now, rather than waiting for special occasions. Because every successful person, group and society has a mother who gave everything she had and asked for nothing in return, let’s honor mothers’ strength, beauty and power today and forever. 

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Trevor Otieno is a mental health advocate, educator and writer based in Nairobi, Kenya. He is passionate about using storytelling to spark hope, promote emotional well-being and drive social change.