I always knew I wanted to be a mom and hoped that I would be. And it's a role that has transcended beyond the 4 children I gave birth to. I not only have a wonderful mom that I can look up, I also have had other mother figures throughout my life that I've been able to learn from. And finally, I've come to have some dear mom friends who are in the trenches with me.
When I think about all of my extended kids, I can't help but smile. I have loved being Mrs. Coach, Mama Pitch, Mama Melinda, Work Mom, Miss Mindy and all the other 'mom' nicknames I've been given over the years. There is something unexplainable about giving that mother love to another person...lifting them up, helping them see their potential, encouraging their dreams, holding them accountable, putting them in check when needed, and of course giving them "the look". That young people who do not HAVE to look up to you, respect you or love you--do? That's humbling really.
We can all seek to be that in someone's life.
My mom has been such an amazing role model for me. She has always worked very hard, put our family first and encouraged us to follow our dreams. She is a realist and honest and a planner. She organizes and coordinates. She takes charge and handles difficult situations. She has expectations and challenges you to reach them. She is funny and silly and likes to laugh. She is a caregiver. And she loves my dad. Through thick and thin, for better or worse and now, as retirees, they are now getting to enjoy their happily ever after.
The other mothers that I've had? They're family members, coworkers, mentors...women who have taken time to love me, teach me, correct me. They've shared stories and insight and allowed me to ask questions. They've comforted me when I've messed up or are anxious and worried. They've inspired me to be better and to look forward to the next stage of being a woman. They've shown me how to stand up for what I believe in and how to be fully free to be myself.
My mommy friends? Honestly, in the early stages of my kid's lives I didn't have a lot of mommy friends. My world was full and my time was limited. There were a lot of acquaintances. Moms that I spent a lot of time with because our kids were friends or in activities together, but it wasn't until they started getting a little older that I was able to make some true friends. Other moms who I could be honest with and share all of the deep, dark hidden places of struggle....as well as share triumph and laughter when joyous moments happened. As we've now crossed into parenting adults....we have new experiences to share and learn from and it makes it that much easier knowing that I have other people to travel through it with.
And finally. My own four gems. Jordyn, Isaiah, Elijah and Israel.
Ok. they really look like this now.
They are dynamic human beings. And I am so lucky to be their mom.
When I started out as a mom I was young and nervous. I worried about things I didn't need to worry about and tried to follow all of the guidelines and rules to make me a 'good' parent. Soon I learned to throw those ideas and steps out the window. I have done a lot right and a lot wrong but no matter what I've put every bit of myself into loving them, encouraging them and guiding them. From those tender mommy moments when they were little and idolized me to the proud moments of seeing them accomplish their goals as they've all become adults...it has been sweet and hard and special and unforgettable and fulfilling all rolled into one. They have taught me so much and I am who I am because of who they are. Kind and honest and funny and strong and devoted and loyal and hard working and perfectly flawed. I could not love them more fiercely if I tried.
Reach out to the people around you...you might be able to be their mother or their daughter and fill a void for yourself and them.
As always, thanks for reading what I got today.
As always, thanks for reading what I got today.
Happy Mother's Day!!!
