Today we honor you. We honor you who have raised us. We honor you who have taught us how to take care of ourselves, how to see right from wrong, how to seek and find truth, who have taught us through your example how to be brave. We honor you who have had many sleepless nights. Who have given up peace of mind as you’ve allowed us to make choices of our own. We honor you who have done so much for us, yet have asked for little in return. Those of you who served us without receiving as much thanks as you deserve. Those of you who may at times feel underappreciated.

We honor you who have shown us through example what it means to love others. Those of you who not only served us but who also served others around you. Those of you who have let your light shine as you have shown forth your good works. Those of you who understand that you have a great purpose and work on this earth.

We honor you, who have given us strength, hope and light in dark times. You, who knows what it is like to feel pain, physical and emotional. We honor you, who have continued in spite of anxiety, depression, pain, heartache and grief. We honor you, who reached out to others in spite of all that you have gone through. You, who have brought such support and inspiration to many around you.

We also honor you, who have gone on before us, leading the way to freedom and light. You, who have stood up for what you have believed. You, who have and are fighting for a better life for you and your families. We also honor our ancestors, for their strength and courage. For forging the path for us to come into this world.

We also honor you, who are currently suffering, wishing to hold your child in your arms. You who have struggled with the grief and pain of infertility, miscarriage, or the loss of a child. You are seen. You are heard. You are loved and you are not alone.

And for those of you who have seen their children leave the earth before them, your child is not forgotten.

We honor you, who have lost your mother. Who are experiencing the grief of not having her around to guide you. You, who are unable to lean on her wisdom and strength. Who are grieving the loss of memories that could have been. You are seen. Your loss is not forgotten.

We also honor those who are and will come after us. We honor them because they are the future. We honor them because they see our mistakes but they continue to learn and grow and love us anyway. They see the ways that we survive. They see the ways that we thrive and thank us for them. We honor them because they have so much going for them and we are paving the way for them to fulfill their potential.

Today we honor those who choose joy. Who choose to see the rainbows when it rains. We honor you who are seeking to see the light in the darkness. You are leading the way for us to find hope when we need it but you are also teaching us that life can be beautiful.

Today we honor you. Who in the midst of chaos have been the anchor of your families. You, who have at times given in to anger, anxiety, or depression, but who have continued through life with humility, and who continues to try to be the best woman you can be. Sometimes you may feel lost, confused, unsure, doubting and depressed. But, with each step you take, you are showing that you are strong enough to keep moving forward. Today we honor you, because you have gone through much and yet you live.

Today we honor you, who may feel out of place, different from others. We honor you for your uniqueness. You have strengths in you that the world needs. You may at times wonder if you are enough. So, I’ll tell you now, you are enough. You are uniquely you. Only you can make the impact on this world that you are meant to make.

You are not perfect. Neither am I. Yet, together we learn, together we grow. Together we lift each other up. Together we can rise.

In whatever situation you may find yourself in today. Know this, you are needed. You are enough. You are seen. You are not alone. And you will rise.

So, today, we honor you.