Two billion strong   

There are two billion moms in the world, and each of us is lucky enough to have had the best one. No one ever loves you the way your mother does. Maybe that’s why Mother’s Day is the busiest phone day, with 122.5 million phone calls made to moms. We also send 152 million Mother’s Day cards.

“A mother is the truest friend we have, when trials heavy and sudden fall upon us; when adversity takes the place of prosperity; when friends desert us; when trouble thickens around us, still will she cling to us, and endeavor by her kind precepts and counsels to dissipate the clouds of darkness, and cause peace to return to our hearts.” ―Washington Irving

celebrating moms

7,500 diapers

In the first two years of a child’s life, a mom will change 7,500 diapers. The average age of the first-time mom has increased from 21 in 1970 to 25. Most moms today have two kids; in the 1950s the average was four. In the 1700s, most women had 7-10 kids. A Russian mother holds the record, however, giving birth to 69 children over 40 years.

“Mothers and their children are in a category all their own. There’s no bond so strong in the entire world. No love so instantaneous and forgiving.” —Gail Tsukiyama

A lifetime of inspiration  

We learn first from our moms, and the lessons we learn carry us through life, love, and career. Whenever I ask people about their biggest inspirations, mom almost always makes the list. My mother inspired me in ways I’m still discovering, fostering my love for travel, learning new things, meeting new people and embracing life.

“Food, love, career, and mothers, the four major guilt groups.” —Cathy Guisewite

Here’s to celebrating moms everywhere!