Honoring My Mom This Mother’s Day
Mother’s Day is a time to celebrate the women who gave us life, love, and the strength to carry on—even when they were struggling to carry themselves. For me, it’s more than just cards and flowers. It’s a day to honor the quiet courage of my mother, a woman who fought battles no one could see, all while showing up every single day for her family.
Growing up, I didn’t always understand what she was going through. There were moments of sadness behind her smile, days when the weight of the world seemed to sit heavy on her shoulders. As I got older, I came to realize that my mother was grappling with mental health challenges—something rarely spoken about in our family, much less understood.
But here’s what makes her extraordinary: she kept going. Even in her most fragile moments, she made sure we felt loved, safe, and supported. Her resilience wasn’t loud, but it was powerful. She fought inner battles while packing lunches, cheering at school events, and offering comforting hugs after a bad day. She taught me that strength doesn’t always look like perfection. Sometimes it looks like getting out of bed when everything inside says not to. Sometimes it looks like crying quietly, then wiping your tears so your kids don’t worry.
This Mother’s Day, I want to celebrate the truth behind the love. I want to honor the bravery it took for her to face each day and still give so much of herself to her children. Mental health struggles don’t make someone weak—they reveal a deeper, quieter kind of strength. My mother’s story is a testament to that.
To anyone reading this who is navigating motherhood while facing mental health challenges: you are not alone. You are seen. And you are doing an incredible job. Like my mother, your love is making a difference in ways you may never fully realize.
This Mother’s Day, I celebrate the woman who taught me that love isn’t about being perfect—it’s about showing up. Even when it’s hard. Especially when it’s hard.
Thank you, Mom ❤️
A Mother’s Strength
About the author
Shakera has been known to beat all the odds of battling mental health challenges and pursuing her dreams. She is also the author of four books. A memoir of her battle with mental illness titled “The Dealt Hand: The Story of my Battle with mental illness”, The Art of Resilience: Dreaming and Overcoming the Challenges of Life, Resilient Inspired Spiritual Excellence (R.I.S.E.), and her newest book “Hues of Stained Glass: Healing from Broken Pieces”. Shakera’s passion for mental health and women comes from her own experiences and overcoming the barriers and challenges in her own life. Shakera understands that she cannot do anything without her relationship with God His grace and the support of her community.
Resilient Inspired Spiritual Excellence R.I.S.E. 