This is a really good point! There's a lot of maternal and matriarchal symbolism throughout the final arc of S7, as well - the guardians, and the idea of Willow, Buffy, and Faith as mother-figures to the Slayers who are all called at the end. And I hadn't thought to contextualize that with this aspect of The Gift, but I love the idea that Joyce's motherhood should be such an important part of this very personal precursor Chosen.