by Michelle Stein posted in Parenting

Happy Mother's Day!
On this day dedicated to mothers, I'd like to share with you an ode to moms from Story of This Life's Esther Anderson. It's short, it's sweet -- and trust me, you should probably grab a box of tissues before pressing "play" below.
The video begins with scenes of Esther, her husband and their three girls. Words appear across the screen, listing off the sacrifices she's made for her children through the years. "I gave up my body. I gave up my sleep. I gave up my time. I gave up my space. I gave up my moments. I gave up my freedom."
*Nodding along with each statement* Yep, you're telling me, sister.
Then Anderson hits us all directly in the feels. And she has no mercy. "But I'd give up my life for just one of your breaths," the video continues. "Because you gave me a new purpose. You gave me new perspective. You gave me new pride. You made me a new person. You made me ... a mom."
Um, pardon me while I sob in my locked bathroom while stuffing my face with Mother's Day chocolates.
But it's so true, isn't it"

So here's to all the moms out there who tirelessly sacrifice for their children, day after day.
From growing an entire human with your body, to birthing said human, to middle-of-the-night feedings, thousands of diaper changes. So. Much. Laundry. Tears, laughter, and everything in between -- we've learned from experience that motherhood isn't for the faint of heart.
But ...