Mothers often make significant sacrifices for their children, sometimes even losing touch with parts of their own identity. A recent Baby Center survey found that 22% of moms feel like they're “just moms,” these feelings can intensify as their children grow older, especially for those with multiple children.
Despite most mothers' willingness to make these sacrifices, it can still be challenging. This context makes the story of one daughter's simple yet powerful gift to her mother impactful.
Rachel Sevcik shared in a TikTok video how she wanted to give her mom a special gift for her 52nd birthday, a time that coincided with Sevcik leaving for college, leaving her mom facing an empty nest. Sevcik wanted to honor her mother's role as a stay-at-home mom and encourage her to rediscover her passions.
Sevcik bought a sign from a boutique that said “Try” and wrote a heartfelt letter encouraging her mom to pursue whatever she had always wanted but put aside for her family. For Sevcik's mom, that passion was writing.
Eight years later, her mom has joined writing groups, published a short story, co-authored a book, and recently finished her first novel, with another in progress. Sevcik proudly shares that when asked what her mom does, she can now say, “She's a writer.”
The story resonated with many online viewers. One commenter expressed that if they received such a letter, it would bring them to tears. Another praised Sevcik for understanding the significance of her mother's sacrifices at a young age and giving such a meaningful gift.
Others shared similar experiences, like a former stay-at-home mom who returned to school at 48 to become a therapist and another who described their mom as a fantastic stay-at-home mom who later returned to work and thrived.
The story inspired and encouraged many mothers, both those currently raising children and those transitioning to new phases of life. One commenter, a stay-at-home mom of three, expressed her gratitude for the story, while another shared her apprehension about life after her child goes to college but felt encouraged by the story.
If more mothers received this kind of recognition and encouragement, pursuing their dreams and aspirations would seem more attainable. Until then, stories like this one can serve as a source of inspiration and support.