Motherhood Amazes Me Every Day
By Jessica Grono
Motherhood has amazed me from the very beginning.
Long before I became a mom, I loved babies. I was fascinated by how quickly they learned, grew, and discovered the world around them. The miracle of creating a new life has always been incredible to me. Becoming a mother was one of my biggest dreams, and I feel incredibly blessed that dream came true.
As a woman living with athetoid and spastic cerebral palsy, there were people who questioned whether I should become a mother. Some wondered how I would care for a baby when I needed physical assistance myself. Others simply couldn’t imagine someone in a power wheelchair raising children.
I’m grateful to say they were wrong.
Motherhood has never been about doing every task by yourself. It’s about loving your children, guiding them, encouraging them, and being present through every stage of their lives. While I receive help with many physical tasks, no one can replace a mother’s love.
One of my favorite Mother’s Day memories happened when my son Jason was little. He wanted to buy me everything in the store because he didn’t yet understand that money wasn’t unlimited. A family friend who also worked as one of my attendants helped him choose a beautiful hanging flower basket and, of all things, a bunch of bananas because we had run out that morning.
To anyone else, bananas might seem like an unusual Mother’s Day gift.
To me, they were perfect.
He noticed something I needed and wanted to help. That simple gift reminded me that children often express love in the purest ways.
As my children have grown, Mother’s Day has changed. There were years when camping trips, school activities, college schedules, and busy family calendars meant the day looked different than I imagined. Motherhood has taught me one of life’s greatest lessons: flexibility.
The traditions may change, but the love doesn’t.
Faith has always been part of our Mother’s Day celebration. Attending Mass reminds me that motherhood is both a blessing and a calling. I often think of Mary, the mother of Jesus, and the incredible faith, courage, and trust she demonstrated. While none of us are perfect mothers, we can continue growing, learning, and loving our children a little better each day.
Some of my favorite Mother’s Day gifts haven’t cost much at all.
A handmade card.
A warm hug.
Breakfast together after church.
Hearing, “I love you, Mom.”
Watching my children become thoughtful, compassionate, and responsible young people.
Those moments are priceless.
Living with cerebral palsy has certainly made motherhood look different than I once imagined. I’ve needed adaptive ways to care for my children, help from family and caregivers, and plenty of creativity along the way. But if there’s one thing my children have taught me, it’s that love isn’t measured by how many physical tasks you can do.
Love is measured by showing up.
By listening.
By encouraging.
By praying.
By laughing together.
By being there through life’s biggest milestones and everyday moments alike.
Looking back, I realize my children have given me far more than I could ever give them.
They’ve taught me patience, resilience, gratitude, and unconditional love.
Every stage of motherhood has been different, but every stage has been beautiful.
If you’re a parent with a disability, know this: your children don’t need a perfect parent.
They need you.
Your love, your presence, your guidance, and your belief in them will always matter more than your physical abilities.
Motherhood continues to amaze me every single day, and I thank God for the privilege of being called “Mom.”
It will always be my favorite title.
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