This Mother's Day

With Mother's Day quickly arriving, I have realized that I am very blessed to have more than one mother in my life.

My mother, did the best that she could with what she had to work with. I have always, and will always be strong willed, independent and in the mindset that I am strong and I don't need anyone to care. I am glad to know that she does, even though I don't want anyone to.

I have a wonderful Step-mum who has shown me patience and unconditional love. When my parents divorced, I didn't want to know her because I felt like I was betraying my mother. She gave me as much time as I needed and welcomed me with open arms when I decided that there wasn't a single person in this world that would ever replace my mother. This woman waited four years for me to even talk to her and another year after that for me to accept her.

I know that some people can say that they have two mothers. It is sad how common divorce is, now days. So saying that I have three, when I count my Mother-in-law does not come as a surprise. I am finding this to be common as well. She has been a wonderful mother to her sons and daughter. She has had a hand in her son, my husband, being the wonderful man that he is today. She puts up with more than she has to and has stepped in to hug me through the tough times since my other mothers are not in close proximity. She showed me love, even when I was merely dating her son.

Now, some people have just the one mother, more have two while others have three.  I am, perhaps, the most blessed person in the planet to have a Bonus mom. I'm not sure if this means that someone thought I was so tough to handle that I needed more but I am thankful for them all. My Bonus-mom is my father's sister and has been, perhaps, the greatest influence in my life. She is the definition of strength. She has always been in my corner pushing me to get back in the ring of life and take back the title of champion.

Each of these four women have taught me many things: unconditional love, patience, and strength. Only one brought me into the world while they all have kept me here. I don't know where I would be without these beautiful souls. They may not always be close, in proximity but I know that if I ever needed anything they are all a phone call away and I never have to feel alone. I know that they all have not had an easy road with me. I was a child who did not want to be noticed, did not want to be loved, did not feel I deserved love. I am strong willed and have always been. Each of their roads have had many bumps but they handle those bumps with style, strength and so much grace.

I don't know what I did to deserve four beautiful, strong women but I thank God, every day for each of them.