A Full Circle Moment at Lake Louise
Honoring the Woman Who Shaped My Path to Motherhood
Last week, I went on an unforgettable adventure—one of the rare times I left town without my children.
But this was for a good cause. I was taking my mother on a bucket list trip to Lake Louise aboard the Rocky Mountaineer. The last time she saw Lake Louise was 70 years ago, when she was twelve—the same age my daughter is now.
It’s a full-circle moment when you, as the child, can make your parents’ dreams come true.
My mom only visited Lake Louise once, but she always said it was her “happy place.” It’s the image she envisioned while giving birth to me—when she was instructed to imagine the most serene place on earth. She dreamed of going back. I was going to make it happen.
My mother’s unconditional love and quiet selflessness have been my blueprint for the kind of mother I want to be.
Our paths couldn’t have been more different. She married and started a family in her 20s. I pursued a career with vigor and struggled to find lasting love. When I realized in my mid-30s that I wanted to become a mother, she didn’t judge me (or scold me) for waiting too long.
She simply asked, “What can I do to help?”
She was there every step of the way:
Holding my hand during sonograms.
Mourning with me after each loss.
Bottle-feeding my premature daughter in the middle of the night so I could pump every precious drop of breast milk because my baby couldn’t nurse.
Standing beside me during my custody battle when my ex tried to take my son.
I don’t think I could have achieved my mission of motherhood without her.
To honor her love and sacrifice, I strive to give my children the same devotion she gave me. And now, I’m able to give back to her.
Watching Mom gaze out over Lake Louise once more, I saw a childlike wonder light up her eyes. I’ll never forget it. Being able to give her that moment, after everything she’s given me, is something I will treasure for the rest of my life.
I wish every child could have a mother like mine. I know that’s not everyone’s story, and my heart aches for those who didn’t receive that kind of life-affirming love. If you’re lucky enough to have experienced a great mom, please don’t take it for granted. Tell her. And then pay it forward.
If you weren’t fortunate enough to have that blessing, I believe there are still motherly souls out there who can help you heal—if you look for them and are willing to let them in.
Have you been able to fulfill one of your parents’ dreams? If so, I’d love to hear about it!
#motherhood #payitforward #amotherslove