Madonna shared an emotional post on Mother's Day, penning a poignant tribute to her mother who died of breast cancer when the singer was just five years old.
The "Material Girl" singer took to Instagram on Sunday, writing:
"I stood on stage for 81 shows staring up at the beautiful face of my mother and wondering what she must’ve been thinking as she waved goodbye to me from her hospital window."
"I stepped into the station wagon and shut the door not knowing it was the last time I’d see her."
She continued:
"Nobody told me my mother was dying - I just watched her disintegrate mysteriously and then she disappeared and there was no explanation except that she had gone to sleep which explains My Tumultuous relationship with sleep."
Madonna went on to express her gratitude for her children gathering together for her.
"Tonight all of my children sleep Under one roof which is Rare and comforting."
"They grow up too fast and spin out in different directions And yes I have a hard time letting go."
The singer then opened up about seeing her mother's photo on stage during her Celebration tour when she performed her 2003 song "Mother and Father."
"When I stepped out on the stage and looked up at my mother's face every night I said hello I said goodbye I said Thank you I hope you’re proud of me."
"I said Please protect me and keep me sane."
During her performance of that song, the image of the biological mother of her adopted son David Banda was also highlighted, and Madonna noted similar thoughts crossed her mind during those moments as well.
"I would look up at David's Mother Malita across the stage And have the same thoughts."
"Was I doing a good job ?"
"Is she proud of her Son? Am I the mother she would want me to be. ??"
She also shared how special it was to be on the road with her children.
"I became very close to my children on this tour.
We clung to each other."
"In the long hours we worked and struggled.
They helped me manifest my dreams."
"In the chaos and the storms
the monotony and repetition
The sleepless nights and the endless
Packing and unpacking."
"All the sacrifices.
We made together.
So many hours of Blood Sweat and Tears."
"Grateful for the privilege of bringing people together with Music
But also we just wanted to sleep in."
After doting on all of her children, the "Like a Prayer" singer touched on the struggles of motherhood, but she also acknowledged it was all worth it.
"No Easy way into the motherhood game. No manual or University. Just trial and error and learn and succeed and then fail again."
"Finally the realization that they were raising me and not the other way around."
"I always laugh with friends and say motherhood = suffering"
"But it’s not a joke it’s the truest thing I’ve ever said."
"But I wouldn’t change it for anything."
The post featured photos of Madonna on stage during her tour with photos of both her mother and Malita, as well as photos of her with her children.
Fans of the singer all agreed her message was beautifully stated.
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@madonna/Instagram
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And they wished her a happy Mother's Day, as well.
@madonna/Instagram
@madonna/Instagram
@madonna/Instagram
@madonna/Instagram
@madonna/Instagram
Madonna's Celebration tour closed out on May 4 in Brazil following a rocky start.
In June, just before she was set to hit the road, the singer contracted a bacterial infection, forcing her to postpone several dates.
A month after Madonna was released from the hospital, she shared her appreciation for her children once again, noting they stepped up and it "made all the difference."
"As a mother, you can really get caught up in the needs of your children and the seemingly endless giving."
"But when the chips were down, my children really showed up for me. I saw a side to them I had never seen before. It made all the difference."
We hope she had a wonderful Mother's Day 💖
