May Is Mother's Month!

Mother's day is here. Hopefully we will all take some time to herald the immense sacrifices and love mothers all over the world carry out. They quietly, diligently and passionately work away; our silent ground troops holding families together and building the very essence and fabric of our society. Mums are at once nurturing and forgiving, instilling a strong core value system that will build the very foundation of a loving, just, responsible and equitable society, that we as Canadians pride ourselves in.

I am always in awe of mothers-their zest and vigour so strong that it could topple governments, win elections or build large corporations without any of the paraphernalia, pomp, burn-out nor collateral damage we so often observe in the latter.



As a clinician who has had the privilege of treating hundreds of women, and experientially as a mother of four wonderful and incredible boys (three pictured with me above), I am particularly cognisant of the huge demands made of mothers and their ability to rise to the occasion-The Super Mum Syndrome I call it. Whether one stays home and works with the home and kids or juggles external work and home care, the demands are humongous and sadly without much daily recognition. As a clinician and educator I feel fabulous when I get acknowledged for the work and contribution I make-and yet how many times do we make the effort of validating the enormous contributions mums make every hour of the day? From never ending diaper changes, ongoing 24hr caregiving and food preparation to managing a multitude of schedules, emotions, academic, moral and spiritual guidance, and not to forget the perennial sports and activity schedules, and then volunteering at the school, the list is endless and mind boggling.

In my various trips to India, I have been fascinated and deeply moved by the reverence and respect accorded to mothers in the community and the cultural paradigm that acknowledges that valuing our mothers and seeking their blessings actually strengthens our family and societal structure and contributes to our success in every aspect of our own lives.

This month I have decreed May as Mother's Month at Yaletown Laser Centre and we are pleased to launch our Mother's Club. In an effort to pay tribute to all mums, we invite you to share your special stories about you, your mum, your grandma, the mother of your children and we will attempt to publish these on our website with your photographs and captions for sharing. We will also be drawing a special prize for the best story. It might be the most hilarious story, the most moving story or the story with the most interesting twist. This special prize will include a surprise package for rejuvenating a tired mum and pampering her for a few hours of respite from her years of hard work and dedication.

I sincerely hope you will take the time to acknowledge yourself if you are a mum, and I hope you will acknowledge your mother, mother in law, grandmas, godmothers and the mother of your children. Make a commitment to actively, on a daily basis, validate and communicate your thanks and affection with this special person. It will profoundly alter their life and your life in all ways, always.


Dr. Shelly Kassam
Founder & President
Yaletown Laser Centre