Twenty-five years ago, I discovered what it was like to be a mother. Holding my first baby, a beautiful girl with a shock of spiky black hair, I was filled with those indescribable emotions that the first hours of parenthood bring. Amazement that I had helped create this child, overwhelming love, and inexplicable fear that something terrible would take this new love of my life away.

Eighteen months later, the emotions replicated themselves as my heart expanded to make room for the new arrival, an equally beautiful – but so different – second daughter.

In my travels, I have seen mothers all over the world doing their best for their children. Working, cooking, feeding, cuddling, teaching…and most of all, just loving them. We are all the same, no matter where we live.

Mother’s Day is held at different times of the year, depending on where you live. In Australia and New Zealand it is today, the second Sunday in May. In tribute to mothers everywhere, take a look at my gallery of mothers. Happy Mother’s Day.

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