There’s something really powerful about the mother connection. It’s more than biology, more than tradition. It’s a deep-rooted, often indescribable bond between those who nurture and those who are nurtured. And as Mother's Day approaches, we celebrate that connection — in all its forms.

For many, Mother’s Day is a time of gratitude. A chance to give a great big hug to the women who’ve loved us. It’s a gorgeous tradition where little ones are reminded to reflect on just how much their mums do for them. As a kid, I absolutely loved the thrill of making Mum breakfast in bed. I loved visiting the Mother’s Day stall at school and buying my $5.00 worth of love — maybe a cake of soap wrapped in tulle, or a lavender rope. So often I would come home having purchased an item which Mum had actually made herself and donated. I always thought her creations were the best.

I loved it when my own kids were little and would present me with the sweetest little gifts. Those cards which said “Hat’s Off To Mum” or a were a giant cardboard tea cup. One of my favourite Mother’s Day memories is receiving a gift from five-year-old Danny wrapped with electrical tape and Band-Aids. His card had a really beautiful message inside. When I told him how much I loved the words, he said, “I copied them exactly from Zara because she’s really good at all that stuff.”

I love celebrating my mum on Mother’s Day, and my kids love making a fuss of her too. She gives them nothing but love in a way only grandmothers can. No grief, no rules, no criticism. Nothing but love.

But not all mothers are the same — and not all motherly love comes from the people we expect. That’s why on this day, we also celebrate the stepmums who stepped up, grandmas who became second mums, the aunties who are always there, the mentors and friends who offered guidance and care, and the women who chose to mother without ever having children of their own.

These women are just as much a part of the mother connection. They show up in quiet moments, in long phone calls, and offer support without judgement — often without asking for anything in return.

We also know that for some, Mother’s Day is complicated. It can stir grief — for mothers who are no longer with us, for children gone too soon, or for the motherhood journey that didn’t go as hoped. It can bring up pain from fractured relationships, estrangement, or unresolved issues. If that’s your experience, please know this day still holds space for you.

This Mother’s Day, may we honour all the women — past and present — who have given us love, strength, and safety. May we recognise that “mother” is not just a title, but a way of showing up in the world. Here’s to the mums. The mother figures. The everyday nurturers. Here’s to the mother connection.