I've always wanted to be a mom because I want to give a kid all

In the great journey of life, there are few bonds more sacred and transformative than that between a mother and her child. Jennifer Love Hewitt, with deep emotion, speaks of the powerful desire to give to her own children the gifts she received from her mother: “I’ve always wanted to be a mom because I want to give a kid all of the magical gifts my mom gave to me, such as love and friendship. She and I had this incredible connection that was so unbelievable.” In these words lies the profound truth that the legacy of a mother’s love and friendship is one of the most powerful forces a child can inherit. It is through these gifts that the foundations of life, meaning, and connection are built, shaping the very course of one’s soul.

The ancients understood that the relationship between mother and child was not simply biological but spiritual. Consider the bond between Demeter, the goddess of the harvest, and her daughter Persephone. Their relationship, though marked by moments of tragedy—when Persephone was taken to the underworld—was also defined by an unbreakable connection of love and nurturing. Demeter's deep love for her daughter was so profound that it influenced the very cycles of the earth, bringing the seasons into being. Just as Hewitt reflects on the incredible connection with her own mother, so too did Demeter feel that magic of maternal love, a bond that transcends time and space, shaping the world around them.

In the ancient stories, we often hear of the wisdom passed down from mother to child—gifts that go beyond material wealth. The most powerful gifts a mother can offer are those of love, care, and friendship, which become the cornerstones of a child’s emotional and spiritual foundation. The bond between Achilles and his mother Thetis serves as another example of this maternal influence. Thetis, though a divine figure, cared deeply for her son, providing him with the best of what she could offer, including the legendary armor forged by Hephaestus. But more importantly, Thetis gave Achilles the knowledge of his fate and the emotional strength to face it. The gifts of love and understanding that mothers offer transcend the physical—they are the unseen forces that guide and shape a child’s life.

Hewitt speaks of her desire to give her children the same “magical gifts” her mother gave to her—gifts that are not bound by time or space. This idea of magical gifts is not one of material wealth or tangible possessions, but of deep emotional and spiritual nourishment. Just as Thetis imparted wisdom to Achilles, and Demeter passed on life’s cycles to Persephone, a mother’s greatest legacy is the love and friendship she shares with her children. These gifts shape not only the present but lay the groundwork for future generations. The love between a mother and child is not simply a bond, but a profound connection that can inspire greatness and provide strength in times of struggle.

In our own lives, we must recognize the sacredness of these bonds. Whether we are mothers or not, the relationships we nurture with those around us—especially our children—hold the power to shape their lives. Hewitt’s reflection on her mother’s gifts reminds us that true connection is rooted in unconditional love and support, and that these intangible gifts are often the most enduring and transformative. Just as the ancient heroes were shaped by the wisdom and love of their mothers, so too are we shaped by the deep connections we forge in our families and relationships.

The lesson from Hewitt’s words is one of profound significance: love and friendship are the most magical and powerful gifts we can give to those we care about. These gifts are not fleeting but are passed down through generations, enriching the lives of those who receive them. Whether in moments of joy or in times of hardship, the gifts of love are the foundation upon which we build our emotional and spiritual resilience. In our relationships, we must strive to offer these gifts not only to our children but to everyone we encounter, knowing that the legacy of love is what endures, long after material possessions fade away.

Thus, let us carry Hewitt’s reflection into our own lives. Whether as mothers, fathers, friends, or mentors, let us offer the gifts of love and friendship to those we hold dear. These gifts are the true treasures of life, capable of shaping hearts, changing lives, and creating deep, enduring connections. Let us nurture these bonds with the knowledge that in doing so, we are passing on something far more lasting than anything material—something that will echo through the generations, like the ancient gifts of wisdom, love, and connection.