Celebrating Mothers, Everywhere

Sunday, May 13, 2018, many of us around the world celebrated what we know as Mother's Day. That is the day when we show extra love and appreciation to the countless women who make sacrifices each day to raise and to love us.

The natural state of motherhood is unselfishness. When you become a mother, you are no longer the center of your own universe. You relinquish that position to your children. - Jessica Lange

 What many people do not realize, is that mothers are not only biological. There are a number of women who step up and mother every day, despite the fact that they did not physically give birth to those children. So thank you, mothers, for being there and for paving the way for us all. Where would we be without you?

First and foremost, thank you to the amazing woman I have the privilege of calling my mother.
Your diligence, your grace and understanding, and your fire personality sometimes leave me speechless. I have watched you for countless years, making motherhood and marriage look easy. I have listened to you pray and watched you grow as you have done with me. You are a true testament of a strong, faithful woman and I love you for that. We do not always see eye to eye, but know that I would be nowhere without you. You are my rock and I love you more than you'll ever know. 

Successful mothers are not the ones who do not struggle. Successful mothers are the ones who never give up despite their struggles.

Thank you for dealing with me. Thank you for caring for me. Thank you for listening to me when nobody else would and thank for having my back even when I was wrong. I appreciate you and the woman that you are. I love the woman who you have raised me to be.  ​Regardless of how far I may go, understand that I will always be only a phone call away. You are everything to me. Thank you for doing such an awesome job setting good examples. I hope that you are proud of me. ​

Then, there's the beautiful woman that raised my mother; my grandmother. She is a woman of substance, a woman with a kick butt demeanor who doesn't accept anything less than what she deserves. My grandma has been one of my biggest fans since the day I was born. She has been a huge part of my life, every step of the way. She has never doubted me, but only ever lifted me up and encouraged me to do more. I never questioned my grandmother's loyalty to my success. She has taken care of me when I was sick and always been available when I needed her most. She has been such an influential part of my story and I appreciate her for all that she is; good and bad. Grandma, thank you for the lessons and for the finer things. 

A grandmother is a little bit parent, a little bit teacher, and a little bit best friend

Thank you for crab legs and ice cream. Thank you for ice pops and the yard stick. Thank you for Barney bags and Judge Judy. Thank you for matching outfits and new slippers. Thank you for loving me when I felt like the world was against me. Thank you for memories and for providing me with hope. I am so thankful that I was blessed with you. Thank you for raising my mother in a way that allowed her to love and to raise me. Thank you for being a mother to my father when he needed his most. Thank you for teaching me right from wrong and to live my life by setting examples. I love you.

Thank you to the women that I call my sisters; who have made me an aunt. It has been an honor to watch you grow in motherhood and in love. Thank you for allowing me to help raise your children and for teaching me that although being a mother is not always easy, it is worth it. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to play a special role in the lives of such beautiful children that make me happy and proud every day. I love being an auntie and I love my nieces and nephew more and more each day. As they grow, and as you grow, I grow too. So thank you for being A1. Thank you for doing what not everybody can and remember to call me whenever you need me. I am so proud of you. Thank you for arguments, late night phone calls, doing my hair and make up, and for letting me steal your clothes. I love you. 

When a child is born so is an aunt.

To my amazing aunts, who were always there, every step of the way. Thank you for being my other mothers... not that my mother couldn't handle it, but thank you for supporting her. Thank you for loving and supporting me. Thank you for coming to all of my events and recitals. Thank you for birthday cards and for home made mashed potatoes. Thank you for listening to me, for taking me out the house and for playing Barbies. Thank you for being around when I needed you most. Thank you for your wifi and electric and for letting me crash at your houses whenever I needed to. The warm showers and hot meals are much appreciated, even now. Thank you for calling me to check on me and for holding me to high standards. You have taught me and have provided  me with so much. I could not be more blessed to have you in my life.

Only an aunt can give hugs like a mother, keep secrets like a sister and share love like a friend.

To my friends, my cousins and all of the other women in this world who are raising children in any capacity, thank you! You are strong, powerful and loved. Do not let anybody tell you that you are unable to take on the world. Keep up the good work. I am praying for you and I am on your side. I love you girl! Keep doing the damn thing!