When my mother disowned me, I thought I was free from the obligation of celebrating Mother’s Day. After all, she was no longer a significant part in my life. May 8 would just be another Sunday.

I was foolish and forgetful.

A mother is a woman who loves you. This may or may not be the same woman who gave birth to you. Labor is step one in the process of motherhood, not a stamp of approval. Although my relationship with my biological mother is strained at best, I still have an army of women who have loved me. They are my mothers.

Motherhood is a lifelong investment of love and devotion. It is not done out of convenience or obligation. No woman, regardless of whether or not she gave birth to you, is obligated to love you. It is not their duty to take care of you. They are not legally bound to nurture you. This is a beautiful thing because that means the women who choose to devote their lives to their children do it with a willing heart. To a mother, the mere thought of leaving her child is inconceivable. There are many who choose otherwise.

Mother’s Day should be redefined as a day we recognize the influence of all the women in our lives because a mother is a woman who loves you.

Motherhood begins when a woman takes an interest in the well-being of a child. The simplicity of motherhood is underwhelming because for most people it is a very straightforward process. Most people with a mother cannot fathom a life without her.

At the same time, the value of that relationship is worth more than all the precious rare gems on earth. The love of a mother is beyond reason. There are countless tales of women risking their lives and well-being for the sake of their children.

If motherhood is a paradox of simplicity and boundless worth then how can we appropriately celebrate Mother’s Day?

Most mothers do not seek recognition. It is a part of their altruistic nature, so how do you recognize and reward the worth and magnitude of a mother?

In all honesty, there is no true answer to this question. There can be no gift or reward that can truly reflect the value of Mom. The best gift that can be given this Mother’s Day is the recognition and appreciation of all the women who have “mothered” you. Like unsung heroines, there are mothers who will go uncelebrated and unrecognized this year like the many years before.

Due to their nature, they will not bear any grudges and if their feelings are hurt then they will not let it be known. This is the also part of motherhood. What better way than to celebrate this day than to give gratitude to the women in your life?

Fortunately, gratitude is not reserved for one day a year. It does not need a national holiday.

Happy Mother’s Day.