This Mother's Day weekend I'd like to celebrate the women who are closest to me and women everywhere who embody the spirit of motherly love. Mother's Day can be a hard day for many women, whether they are trying to have children and can't, or their own mother has passed away, or they have suffered the loss of a child. Even though you may not have biological children, you can still show motherly love to the people in your life who need it. And I hope you'll reach out to the women in your life to show them some love this Mother's Day; whether they are moms or not, they could probably use the gift of a smile, a hug, or kind words of encouragement.
Many women in my life have been like moms to me who over the years have come into my life and influenced who I am. My college friend's mom comes to mind. She introduced me to home schooling and treated me like her own daughter. I spent many, many nights sleeping at her house. I recently saw her after many years and said, "Hi, Mrs. A." She laughed and said, "You can call me Pat, now." I may be old enough to call her by her first name, but in my heart she will always be Mrs. A., another wonderful mom to me.
Many women in the church I grew up in hold a motherly place in my heart. Though several have gone home to be with the Lord, I still remember the things they taught me. I'm also thankful for ladies in my current church, and I especially love my son Bobby's godmother, Pat L. She is a selfless example of God's love on Earth. She is probably the only person outside of my immediate family that I completely trust with my children. She takes the boys out every summer for their birthdays and every Christmas she takes them for the day to give me time to bake and do Christmas prep. Pat is exactly the kind of woman I want my boys to look up to. They love her to pieces and look forward to their days with her.
As an adult, my circle of friends includes several women who love and care for me in a special way that reminds me of motherly love, but honestly I consider them more like sisters and mentors. Being that I never had a sister, Tasha, Amanda, Christine, Maranatha, Heidi, Marla, Deb B, Deb S, Lisa G, Lisa S, Kathy, Kristi, Michelle, Amy, and Tina are just a few of the amazing women whose relationships have become so very important to me. I trust their advice and know they have my best interest at heart. I also now have a sister in law and we do not know each other very well, but I do know that she is fun, sweet, loving and supportive of my family. I am very blessed to have her in my life.
I have also had some amazing aunts in my life! My Aunt Carol S. was around a lot when I was young and we have always shared a special bond. I was maid of honor at her wedding and I am godmother to her daughter. She has an amazing smile and is beautiful inside and out. We actually look very much alike! Aunt Carol S. is kind, loving, and giving to a fault. Recently we have gone through some of the same situations in life, and I was humbled to be allowed to help her. I'm so proud of the success she has had, and her support of my journey is invaluable to me. My Aunt Carol P. is my Barbie doll! She is sweet, bubbly and beautiful. As a child I called her Barbie, and like Barbie, I swear she never ages. I don't see her enough, but when we do it is as if no time has passed. My Aunt Thea was always the dependable one in our family. As a child I remember her hosting family gatherings at her house, and even now for every holiday, birthday, or special event Aunt Thea is there or she sends a card or gift. She even sends cards and gifts to my boys. She has been through much and has stayed strong through it all. When I think of her, I think of strength and stability mixed with kindness. My Aunt Kelly and Aunt Jackie are sisters who married brothers, and both of them lost their husbands far too soon. Aunt Jackie was the cool aunt who I could talk to about teenage stuff. She always understood and never passed judgement; she just listened or gave wise advice. Not many people know how close we were during that time in my life. Many of our conversations happened before and after babysitting sessions with my cousin Steven. Aunt Jackie has since passed. I often regret that she left us far too soon. I did not see Aunt Kelly as much, but she was younger and honestly always felt more like a friend than an aunt. I babysat my three cousins for her on many occasions. She is a free spirit who has overcome a lot in life, yet she still smiles in a way that encourages me. Finally, my uncle married a wonderful woman named Jenny when I was an adult, so I don't address her as "aunt." Jenny is one of the most selfless, giving human beings I have ever met. She has the light of Christ in her and it shines in all she does.
I'm happy to be able to celebrate the motherly and sisterly women in my life with you this Mother's Day weekend. Whether you are a mom, grandma, aunt or sister, whether you have children or not, reach out to the girls and women around you with support, encouragement, and motherly love.
Happy Mother's Day Weekend!