In a heartfelt moment, Serena Williams, tennis powerhouse and legend and fellow member of the #blackgirlmagic tribe, penned an open letter to her mother on Reddit,following the recent birth of her daughter Alexis Olympia. In her words, she highlighted the strength of her mother as a woman, her sincerest gratitude towards her mother’s presence in her life, and the role she played in helping Serena during some of her roughest times.
Thank you for being the role model I needed to endure all the hardships that I now regard as a challenges–ones that I enjoy. I hope to teach my baby Alexis Olympia the same, and have the same fortitude you have had.” – Serena Williams
You could feel the love and admiration Serena holds towards her mom radiating off of the page, and through her words the legacy she knows she will provide for her own daughter as she grows into motherhood.
As this beautiful ode to motherhood made its rounds in our office, amidst tons of “Let me go call my mom” statements, some of our staff decided to share their thoughts on Serena’s letter. Muva Williams, you put us all in our feelings, and through your deeply personal expression of gratitude, we are sharing a few of our responses to your letter and to the matriarchs of our families.
Alexandra, Content Editor
The sincerity, authenticity & genuine love in this letter is so amazing to witness! I could relate on many levels of growing up thin & tall, looking different from my peers. My mom has always been my #1 fan and biggest supporter, I’m beyond grateful for her unconditional love. Also, it’s such a great reminder to celebrate your body and the power you hold!
Fave line:
“I am proud we were able to show them what some women look like. We don’t all look the same. We are curvy, strong, muscular, tall, small, just to name a few, and all the same: we are women and proud!”
Cristina, Managing Editor
I read this letter and thought… I need to call my mom! She’s the strongest woman in the world, and she’s the reason I’m so strong-willed – she would call it “matigas ang ulo,” which means hard-headed in Filipino. In addition to our stubbornness, we share a birthday (watch out, double Scorpios”>, our compassion for others, and our muscular calves. We both danced ballet into our 20s and we have these big calves that never fit into boots and pants. To me they’re a symbol of strength, and my mom.
Kate, Mother of Two Amazing Daughters & NaturallyCurly’s CEO
As a mother of two young women, one who barely made it to birth let alone adulthood, there is no greater gift than seeing your daughters grow to be a strong, amazing, resilient and articulate females owning all they are, no matter how different, leading the way for others behind them to also stand strong for who they are and what they believe in, leaving the world a better place each day they wake up in it. That letter from Serena is a both a testament to how intelligent and grounded Serena is as well as something that her mother and her own daughter will cherish forever.
Lauren, Content Editor
If I continue to evolve into even half of the woman my mother is, then I know I will have a resiliency like none other, the biggest heart full of love for myself, others, and the world, and a hustle that cannot be matched. Reading this letter made me realize how much I take my mom for granted and don’t tell her I love her enough, but mom if you’re reading this, you’re my favorite girl and I love you deeply. Shout out to all the mamas!
Gerilyn, Senior Copywriter
Conversations about life, the future, family and creating traditions have permeated many conversations I’ve had in recent days. That’s why this love letter, written by Serena Williams to her mother, resonates so deeply with me in this moment. It’s not just that she loves her mother, or that because she is now a mother… it is because she is proud to be her child. She thanks her mother for instilling pride in her mind, body, and soul; just like my mother did when the weight of childhood bullies seemed unshakable. I am 100% here for the diamond-bright love Serena has for her mother and feel inspired to call my mom right now (after the lump in my throat swells down”>.
Devri, Content Editor
*wipes tears away*
So what did you think of Serena’s letter to her mom?
Share your response with us on Facebook, and tell your mom you love her!
