I remember the love and care my Mama showed me growing up and how, without her love and guidance, mental, physical, and spiritual, I do not know where I would be today. It is something she continues to do to this day, consistently showing up with strength, wisdom, and unconditional support. Her presence has been a steady foundation in my life, shaping not only who I am but also how I move through the world.
As a mother of five adult children, this article is very close to my heart. I learned to be a mother through the love and care of my own mother and by observing the way she took care of my siblings and me. The way she poured into us showed me how to pour into my own children and build a deep relationship with each one of them. Her example became my blueprint for motherhood, teaching me that love is not only spoken, but demonstrated daily through consistency, patience, and presence.
No matter what you call your mother, she is the glue that holds the family together, and for that, I am forever grateful. Whether she is “Mom,” “Mama,” “Mum,” or even something playful and unique, the name hardly captures the depth of her role. I even know someone who calls their mother “Bubbles,” showing just how personal and meaningful these names can be. In some linguistic and cultural interpretations, this idea of “mother as the binder” goes even deeper. Based on Hebrew linguistic and pictographic studies, the word for mother, Em or Ima (אם), is sometimes interpreted symbolically as a binding or glue-like force within the family, representing the one who holds life and relationships together.
Some folk explanations expand on this symbolism even further by connecting it to ancient practices. For example, it is sometimes described that early Hebrews produced adhesive substances by boiling animal skins in water. As the skins broke down, a sticky film would form on the surface and be skimmed off as a binding agent, sometimes referred to in historical discussions as a kind of “strong water.” While this is more symbolic and interpretive than strictly linguistic history, it is used in some cultural storytelling to emphasize the idea of a mother as the one who holds things together. In that sense, many people connect the meaning of “mother” with the powerful image of stability, unity, and emotional glue within the family. In everyday life, mothers truly do have a remarkable ability to keep everything and everyone connected, even in the hardest moments.
In the English language alone, there are dozens of ways to say “mother.” Some are simple and familiar, like Mom, Mama, and Mommy, while others carry cultural roots or affectionate tones, like Mum, Ma, or Mummy. There are also playful nicknames like Mama Bear, Mommykins, or even Mamasaurus Rex, each reflecting a personal bond and a shared history between child and parent. No matter the variation, each name holds meaning shaped by love, memory, and connection.
Beyond the names, what truly defines a mother is her impact. She is often the family’s emotional anchor, the one who keeps traditions alive, offers wisdom, and holds everyone together even when life pulls them apart. She teaches resilience, compassion, and strength, sometimes without even realizing it. Her influence stretches far beyond childhood, shaping who we become and how we move through the world.
This is why moments like Mother’s Day are so important. They give us a chance to pause and recognize the countless ways mothers show up every single day. But appreciation should not be limited to just one day. Gratitude can be expressed in small, meaningful ways, through a phone call, a kind word, or simply acknowledging her presence and sacrifices.
No matter what you call her, your mother is more than a title. She is a foundation. And for that, she deserves to be celebrated, honored, and cherished not just in May, but every day of the year.
And in the spirit of this column, Roots and Wings, I am reminded that a mother gives us both: roots that keep us grounded in love, identity, and strength, and wings that allow us to grow, rise, and find our own way in the world.