Card: Be The Mother You Needed

Landscape: Community/Collective

Title of Painting: Las Hermanas

Interpretation: Some of us have great relationships with our mothers. For some of us, that relationship is strained, negligent, abusive, or non-existent. Others have lost their mothers to cancer, old age, or other outside forces. Wherever you fall on this spectrum, you are needing some serious maternal love right now. “Be the mother you needed” might be for you and it might be for your own child. The little you – the essential you – is craving a safe harbor, where you are fed, and hugged, and tucked in safe at night. Give this precious gift to yourself and if you have children, give it to them as well and give it freely. Be tender. Listen deeply. Squeeze your body tightly and say it out loud, “I love you so much.” Attentive compassion and maternal love are always an option.

Deeper Resonance: There are five sisters depicted in this artwork. It was painted in response to the DREAM Act, legislation that provides a pathway to legal status for undocumented youth who came to the USA as children.