When my two children were young they started calling me “Mama Bear” because they knew their Mama would fight fiercely to protect her two little cubs. That’s because we protect what we value most, and my kids have always been what I value most.

Becoming a parent is one of the most surreal experiences in the world. It is unbelievable to feel just how much love you have for this little person who enters your life, and it’s crazy how you instantly can’t imagine living your life without them. From the moment you hear the words “you’re having a baby” on you know you would do absolutely anything for that child. You know you would sacrifice literally everything you had to ensure their happiness. This little person instantly becomes your entire universe, holding your whole heart in their little hands from that point forward. So of course you are going to turn into a “Mama Bear” and protect your little cub (or cubs if you are lucky)!  And even though that little cub grows up and gets bigger, they will always be your little cub…that’s just the way it is.

Before you were conceived, I wanted you.

Before you were born, I loved you.

Before you were here an hour, I would die for you.

This is the miracle of a love.

The truth is that I love that my kids know I am their “Mama Bear” because their calling me that tells me that they know they can trust their Mama is always going to do what she can to watch out for them and protect them and try to keep them safe from harm.

“Every mom has a mission to love, guide, and protect her family. Don’t mess with her while she’s on it.” – Vicki Reece

There is no question but that as our kids get older it becomes harder and harder for a “Mama Bear” to protect her cubs from all the hurts in the world – especially because many of the hurts they will face will be the result of their own choices. So you do what you can to teach them right from wrong, sharing from your own life experience and wisdom, and you sit back and hope and pray they will take it to heart.  …But if and when someone else hurts your child, well they will see “Mama Bear” come out of hibernation so fast their head will spin! 😉

From this “Mama Bear” to her own little cubs (remember you are always going to be little cubs to me), I want you to know that I will always be in one of three places: “In front of you to cheer you on, behind you to have your back, or next to you so you aren’t walking alone.”  You guys are my world and I love you unconditionally…now, always, and forever.

~Amy Rees Anderson