Sunday May 11, 2025, is the day we will celebrate motherhood. Whether your mother is still here or has passed this is still a day to remember the person who helped give you life. I titled this post Mother Privilege because that is what my brothers and I had and that is what my two children have now. I know that I wouldn’t be where I am today without the sacrifices my mother Phyllis King made when I was young. I know my brothers would say the same. It is still difficult to get used to the fact that I can’t call her on Mother’s Day. Although my heart is breaking this is a time to remember and celebrate what an amazing mother we had. She set the strong foundation for my brothers and I to build on. It was our responsibility to do the right things, but it is because of her that even when we strayed off course, she was the beacon of light to help set us straight. We were blessed.
They say that sons often marry a woman who is like their mother. Well, I did. I want my children to understand how blessed they are to have Erin as their mother. Like all children we can get frustrated with our parents. It is human nature. You are growing and striving for independence and as parents we worry because we understand the world and we want to make it safe for you. Letting go is one of the biggest challenges for us. Those moments can cause friction and disagreements. What I want my children to know is that they have a mother that will do anything for them. They have a mother who loves them unconditionally. If it was not for her, I wouldn’t have the successes I have today. You must have a partnership. Each of us has a role and the role your mother played was giving guidance to you so that you can build on the same strong foundation my mother gave to me and your uncles.
The support from your mother helped me earn my bachelor’s and master’s degrees and, in the process, she went back to school to earn her degree in early childhood education. She was able to stay home with you for your first 3 years on this earth. It wasn’t a sacrifice for her it was the joy of being able to love and guide you through your first steps and first words. She has been to every school meeting, every sporting event, every play, every concert, and every breakdancing competition cheering you on (I know it wasn’t every, but I consider 99% every). She laughed with you and wiped your tears when you were sad. She even plays your favorite video games with you, and you all have your favorite shows you watch on Netflix or Hulu. What a blessing she has been for all of us.
On Sunday we will celebrate Phyllis, Erin and all the amazing mothers out there in the world. Thank you for loving us even when we disappoint you because of the choices we have made. We celebrate you today and every day. You are our guiding light and our true north, and it is our privilege and honor to call you mom.
“Mama, mama, you know I love you
Ooh, you know I love you, mama
Mama, you’re the queen of my heart
Your love is like tears from the stars (yes it is)
Mama, I just want you to know
Loving you is like food to my soul”
Boys to Men: A Song for Mama
July 3, 1999, mother and son dance. You are the Queen of all our Hearts Grandma Phyllis. We miss you.
Charles Redd RN
The son of Phyllis King and the husband to an amazing mother Erin Redd
Dignity Freedom Fighter 