There is always the fantasy of maternal love, but it does not accommodate a mother's fear of her children.

Being a mother is an attitude, not a biological relation.

Mother is water.

What she did have, after raising two children, was the equivalent of a PhD in mothering and my undying respect.

My mother does not own my hands, though she works hard to train them.
My mother does not own my eyes, though she frequently directs their focus.
My mother does not own my mind, though she yields great influence upon it.
My heart, however, she owns completely, for it was hers the day I was born.

Mothering or nurturing is not just a calling for women who have biological or adopted children. Mothering is a calling for all women. Every Christian woman is called to the spiritual motherhood of making disciples of all nations.