Strong Water: A Mother’s Day Reflection

As I sit here on my second Mother’s Day without my mom, I find myself pausing. Not just because it’s a day marked on the calendar, but because these holidays that have been created to recognize something or someone significant—invite us to stop. To reflect. To remember.

Mother’s Day is one of those days.

For years, it was a day to celebrate my mom. Flowers, dinner, planting something new in her yard. Some way to say I love you and I see all that you do. But as we all realize, being a mom isn’t a one-day job. It doesn’t pause when the flowers wilt or the dessert is gone. It’s woven into your identity. I was a mom yesterday. I’m a mom today. And I’ll still be a mom tomorrow.

In fact, I’ve been a mom since the moment God decided Karen Ann Colonna would walk the earth. Long before I had children of my own, I was being shaped for this role.

And the biggest shaper was my mom.

Dorothy wasn’t just my mother. She was the mold. The example. The glue. And the more years I spend without her, the more clearly I see just how much of her lives on in me.

She taught me faith. Deep unwavering faith. The kind that carries you when your strength wears thin. She believed in God’s plan even when life didn’t make sense. She planted us in the church and in something even more lasting—trust in Him.

She modeled resilience and grit. Stubborn, no shortcuts grit. Whether managing a household alone while my dad traveled, working retail for 25 years or getting things done with integrity and discipline, she showed me that real strength often looks like consistency.  

And my mom had a sense of humor. You might not have known it unless you really spent time with her, but she was a funny lady. When she laughed—oh that laugh. The sound of it, the way her smile lit up—could brighten even the grayest day. It wasn’t just joyful, it was reassuring. That laugh let me know things were going to be okay. And that feeling, that reassurance, would carry me through some of the darkest seasons of my life.

She valued community. From church groups to the Red Hat Society, she was always involved. She hated the spotlight but she always showed up. She loved to cook, dance, give, and belong. And more than anything she loved her family.

She was the glue.

When she left us, something shifted. The glue that held everything and everyone together dissolved. And we’ve had to learn how to stick to each other in new ways. That’s why something I read today in a Mother’s Day devotional on the You Version Bible App struck such a chord. The Hebrew word for mother traces back to the concept of strong water—the essential element used to make glue in ancient times

Mothers are the strong water.

We are the ones who hold things together. Whether we birth children, raise them, love them as aunties, mentors, caregivers, or show up for our pets with unwavering love and devotion—we step into the sacred role of being someone’s strong water.

But holding everything together is exhausting, and that’s why these pause days matter. Not just for cards or brunch or flowers—but for recognition, reflection, and rest.

Because the truth is we don’t need Hallmark to remind us of our worth. We are worthy because we exist. We are loved because we love. And the more we learn to rest in that truth—not just on one Sunday in May, but every day—the more we model that strength for those who look to us.

Today I celebrate my mom.

I celebrate the mom friends who’ve shaped me.

I celebrate my kids who gave me the title.

I celebrate those who love deeply and show up fully whether they parent, people, pets, or anyone in between.

And I celebrate you—because if you’re reading this you’ve probably been strong water for someone too.

Happy Mother’s Day.

You don’t need to earn your rest.

You deserve it.

And whether you’re holding it all together or barely holding on—you’re doing better than you think.

If this message hit home you’ll love my book, 6 Steps In The Bright Direction!

It’s full of stories encouragement and real-life tools to help you reset reflect and move forward with purpose—no matter what life throws your way

Grab your copy on Amazon by clicking HERE.

Or drop me a note at karencolonna.com/contact

I’d love to hear what this season is teaching you!

Here’s to all the strong water out there.

Keep Shining Forward!