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.

Happy Women's Day!

I know that it is "Mother's Day" and to all of the mothers out there, great job! You truly do make a difference and should consider yourself, very blessed. You do what others cannot and it is amazing! I know that the job doesn't pay and you are not always shown appreciation through out the year. Especially the new mothers with babies who do not know how to communicate and aren't old enough to give back. The single mothers, or mothers whose spouces are often gone, you shoulder your household and your children often do not see that.

Step mums, you are amazing in your own right! You accept children, who are not yours by blood, as your own. Often times, kids are partial to their birth parents and you need a lot of patience in waiting for them to come to you. I know, I have a wonderful step-mum but it wasn't until recently that I began including her in the Mother package. Just keep holding on. You are wonderful and do a spectacular service.

Mother figures, the children may not be yours but you care for them as if they were. You are a different strength and source of encouragement. I have an aunt who has been in my corner since day one. She is my personal cheer-leader, my voice of reason and my worry stone. In the rare times that I am so upset that I cannot think clearly, she has calmed me and helped me find the light. She has wonderful kids of her own and still finds time for me.

Then, there are those who want to be mothers but may not have them yet or cannot have them at all. I fall in this category. Mother's day is difficult for me, for many reasons. One of them is that my doctors have told me that I may never be able to actually have children of my own. All the stuff is there to get pregnant and carry a child. However, because my vitamins are so low, getting pregnant may just as well be signing my death certificate. Babies will take whatever they need and if I barely have enough for myself because my body isn't absorbing the vitamins like it should or goes through them too fast...well, apparently you can't survive long without any nutrition. I have been married for almost three years now, but I am not a mother, even though I want it so badly.  I have known others in similar situations. It is difficult but there are ways around it. We have all talked about adoption and eventually, my husband and I will be able to become parents.

If you don't have kids, this is still your day. Sure, you may not be a mother but that instinct is still there. Even if you never want to have kids, I won't judge. In fact, there is some need for women who don't want kids, in the career industry. How horrible of me to say, right? But get this: the women who have kids have obligations that trump work (no shaming here either). Those who don't, are the ones who step in so that you can enjoy your child's graduation, care for them when they are sick...etc. Women who don't want to have kids are amazing in their own way. I applaud every person who has kids or doesn't. You all rock!

So, happy Women's Day, to everyone!  To all the mothers, happy Mother's day!

Stay Strong!  Remember that you are beautiful and well loved, and not just on this day.

Special shout outs to:
Lisa (my mother), Debbie (my step-mum) and Aunt Amy (my life cheerleader)! You are amazing and I have been very blessed to have three women who care for me as much as you do.