The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a toll on everyone, but one group in particular has had an especially heavy lift: mothers.

Studies say moms have taken on the majority of caregiving responsibilities over the last year. That means those of us lucky enough to celebrate mothers this year have even more reason to thank them for all they do.

Here, local mother and children’s book author Letty Belmares gives us the last word on what she sees as the value of mothers to society.