Happy Mother's Day!

I am so grateful for my mom and all the things she’s done for me in my life. I didn’t truly appreciate all the time, sacrifice and effort that went into raising my brothers and me until I became a mom myself. She was and is a trooper and there were times she probably just should have smacked us and been done with it. * smile * (She may still feel like that some days.) But she stuck with us, put up with us and, even if I do say so myself, I think she did a pretty good job with us. Now this is not to ignore my dads, they helped too * smile * but today it’s all about moms.

My mom has been a great blessing in my life. She taught me to be strong and determined, to try new things and to work hard – although when I was a kid she probably thought I missed that lesson. * smile * I will be forever grateful for all that she’s done and continues to do for me and all that she’s taught me.

In addition to my mom I’ve had other wonderful women bless my life. I don’t believe you have to be someone’s biological mom or even have kids to mother. I am so grateful for all the wonderful women that have touched my life, there’s too many to name them all but I have to tell you about a few.

I have a second mom that’s married to my first dad. (My second dad taught me that we don’t have steps in our family. I’ve been blessed to have four parents to love me and to learn from.) I appreciate her example as well and how kind she’s always been to our family. She’s quick to send a thoughtful note or do kind things. She has great taste and is very fun to shop with. * smile *

I have wonderful grandmothers who have blessed my life. I stand in awe of them, their strength and their goodness. Two made the best biscuits in the world and their smiles were like sunshine that could brighten even the darkest day.

One grandmother had her own catering business; you could gain 10 pounds just looking at the scrumptious dishes she and my aunt created. She’s still here and she still makes me smile.

Another grandmother could grow anything. I loved to go to her house and walk through her yard (it should have been called a garden). Every flower you can possibly imagine always seemed to be blooming in her yard. To this day just the sight of hyacinths transports me back to her yard and the sound of her cheerful laugh.

Yet another grandmother set the example of marching to the beat of your own drum; not conforming or following the crowd. She was strong and determined. She dared to be different and did it with attitude. People may not have always agreed with her, but you couldn’t help but respect her determination.

Another person that I loved dearly was my Great Aunt Vivian. She never married or had children of her own but she was one of the most amazing women I’ve ever known. She was strong, independent and loving. She worked hard and blessed the lives of all those who were fortunate enough to know her. She taught me how to crochet and helped me make my first formal dress for The Gold & Green Ball. I believe she could have done anything.

Another woman who’s been a blessing in my life is my mother-in-law. I am so grateful for the son she raised and the things she taught him. She helped raise a wonderful man and I will be forever grateful. I really appreciate her kindness to our family and me.

I love all the women who’ve been a part of helping me become the person I am. I am so grateful for them and for their influence. A few of them have passed on and I can’t tell them today how much I love and appreciate them and how they have blessed my life. But I can tell those still here.

Thank you Mom, Myrtle Grandma and Uvonne. I will be forever grateful!!

Today on Mother’s Day, take the time to tell the women who’ve blessed your life how much you appreciate them. If Mother’s Day has passed and you haven’t done it yet, take time to do it now.