As we go through life, we often reflect on our “first love.” Believe it or not, most of us experienced it without even realizing it in the moment. It was love at first sight—perfect, unconditional, and almost indescribable. It may have taken years, even decades, to truly understand its depth. At times, we may have ignored it or taken it for granted, but as the years pass, we come to the realization: it was, and always will be, our first true love.
This love stood by us through heartbreak, painful moments, and even the worst decisions we made. It was the first safe place we ever knew. At times, it gently warned us about life’s dangers, and when we failed to listen, it was there to comfort us—without judgment.
By now, it’s clear: we are talking about our mothers.
For those fortunate enough to have had their mothers in their lives, this love wasn’t just spoken—it lived in the atmosphere of our homes. For some, that “first love” had a scent—the aroma of sofrito hitting a hot pan, signaling that we were home and cared for. It was a love that needed no instructions; it was written in every sacrifice she made to give us more than she ever had.
As the years pass, we grow more understanding of this first love. What once felt like “tough love” was, in truth, protection. Even the chancla became a lesson. Our mothers gave us more than food, clothing, or shelter—they gave us a lifetime of emotional security.
Even their reprimands were acts of devotion. We may have rolled our eyes back then, but today, we hear their voices guiding us—and we pass that wisdom on to our own children.
As Richelle E. Goodrich once wrote:
“Mothers were meant to love us unconditionally, to understand our moments of stupidity, to reprimand us for lame excuses while yet acknowledging our point of view, to weep over our pain and failures as well as cry at our joy and successes, and to cheer us on despite countless start-overs. Heaven knows, no one else will.”
Blessed are those who can still call their mothers today, especially on Mother’s Day. For those who have lost them, they remain alive in our memories—not only in photographs or videos, but in the way we carry ourselves, the way we love, and the kindness we offer others.
We now understand that “there is no love like a mother’s; all others are merely stories.”
A mother’s love is the foundation of who we are. No matter how old we get, we continue to lean on that strength. We still seek her advice and long for her tenderness and understanding.
Happy Mother’s Day to all the mothers in your life.