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What does Mother’s Day mean to you? Global News moms share their stories

Linda Olsen and her family.

For many, Mother’s Day is a time to reflect and show gratitude to the women and mothers who have been mentors and caregivers; ultimately those who help shape us into who we are. In honour of this special day, we’ve collected a few Global News moms to tell you what Mother’s Day means to them.

Linda Olsen shares some motherly words of wisdom

Almost 23 years ago, a television news colleague of mine said something that has stayed with me ever since.

I was about to go on maternity leave for the birth of my first child. My colleague, a young father himself, said, “You never knew you could love someone so much, until they were born.”

I heard the words that he said to me, they sounded so sweet and honest, but I didn’t fully understand what he was saying until just a few weeks later when I became a mother for the first time.

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Experiencing that complete and unconditional love of a parent was powerful and still is today as I look at my three children who are now wonderful young adults.

Linda Olsen and her mom. Linda Olsen

I have shared that story many times over the years, and as I consider what Mother’s Day means to me, it comes to mind once again.

There may be times when that unconditional love takes a momentary backseat, in the midst of an often busy and sometimes chaotic life raising small children. But the feeling is always there in your heart, and sometimes overflows with a great rush at the most surprising moments.

When you check in on your little ones while they sleep, listening for that steady breathing sound, or help them with last-minute homework, or maybe when you pick up your teenager who’s locked their keys in the car. Those simple moments can be profound reminders of the gift of parenthood.

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And I don’t think that feeling goes away.

I talk to my mom almost every single day, sometimes a few times a day. We talk about everything and sometimes nothing really at all, just taking a few minutes to say hello.

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And, I know as soon as the clock strikes five and six o’clock, both my parents will be right in front of the television watching their youngest child and only daughter anchoring Global News. That complete and unconditional love is always there, even when your little ones are all grown up.

That’s what Mother’s Day means to me, the joy of becoming a mother, raising three children and celebrating the wonderful relationship I have with my own mother. To all the moms, and all the caregivers who are part of a young person’s life, wishing you a very happy Mother’s Day.

Linda Olsen is an award-winning anchor at Global Calgary

Jennifer Tryon tells us how she celebrates Mother’s Day

I’ve only been a mother for six short (yet long) years, and since then, Mother’s Day has gone from a celebration of my own mother to a day where I’m supposed to be celebrated. For new mothers, Mother’s Day I think is a lot like motherhood. A day when we forget we’re supposed to be celebrated and just simply go on attending to the needs of our little ones. Maybe, as we celebrate my mom, my husband’s mom, etc, my kids will learn that Mother’s Day is an extra time they can show me they love me. This year, I know they will try in their sweet way, and I will soak it up. But like always, when kids are small, it will be mom who does the heavy-lifting, even on Mother’s Day.

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Jennifer Tryon is the Senior Investigative Correspondent for Global National.

Jennifer Tryon with her husband and children. Jennifer Tryon

Lisa Dutton on what Mother’s Day means to her

The day you become a mother, you realize “it’s not about me anymore,” it’s about them. For me, it is always about them, and I say that from a very happy and loving place.

Mother’s Day is no different.

It isn’t about my gift card to the spa; it is about the gift of motherhood. I am the mom of two healthy, happy, little boys. Today, I am thankful for the gift of them. The honour is all mine.

Also, breakfast in bed.

Lisa Dutton is the Morning News Anchor for Global Saskatoon.

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Lisa Dutton with her husband and kids. Lisa Dutton

Barbara Williams sees Mother’s Day as a time of reflection

In my life I always seem to be charging ahead, looking forward to the next thing, and what I love about Mother’s Day is the opportunity to slow down and reflect, indeed to stop, look backwards and marvel at all that has happened.

I have been a mom for 26 years! Years that have been full of joy, exhaustion, pride, a ton of worry and loads of fun. And the Mother’s Day greetings from my three kids today, though more likely to come by email or text, pull at my heart just as much as those first homemade cards.

I always spend time thinking about my own mom, who we lost to ALS 15 years ago. What I would do for a conversation with her today! To see her hands wrapped around a mug of tea, tucked into a corner of the couch, ready to listen, for as long as it took. And, I try to channel her patience, her non judgmental support and understanding.

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Mother’s Day makes me smile.

Barbara Williams is the President of Shaw Media.

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