Of course Mother's Day is around the corner and it makes me think of wonderful women I have been blessed to have had in my life and continue to have.
First of course, is my own mother. I certainly do not give her the credit she deserves.
My mom is full of grace, kindness, braveness and never ending love. She loves her children fiercely and her grandchildren with a passion that matches no other. I hope I half the great qualities she has, and I definitely do not tell her enough how much I love her and I am so thankful for her.
Each year I tell myself I will get better, and this year is no different. She is a rock that I do not want to take for granted.
It amazes me how fortunate I have been.
I have had amazing women in my life. Some for long seasons, some short seasons, but all made very lasting impressions on my life and their footprints remain forever on my heart.
Their names are many. And I hope they know who they are. From the wonderful women in the babysitting co-op I was so fortunate to be in, to co-workers, to family friends, to neighbors, to coach's wives, to family members, (in-laws, outlaws), to daycare providers, to hairstylists, to greeters at our churches we've attended, to my children's teachers, to parents of my children's friends, to our Pastors, to friends of friends, to other moms, to women with no children of their own, the list is long and never ending.
I don't believe in the "Mommy Wars or Women Wars". These wars only exist in the media, not in reality. I believe we are all here to help one another, whether we work full-time in the home, outside the home, part-time here, part-time there, or whether we have children or not. I know I have done all of the above and I couldn't of done it without the help of some amazing women to help fill the gaps when needed.
These things come to me when I am driving and sound so "poetic" in my head, but by the time I am able to get pen to paper - they seem to come out jumbled, but here they are anyway.
My words of gratitude and thankfulness and hope. The world is a crazy place, but I believe there is always hope. And much of this hope comes from women. Women who have it together, and those of us that don't. Women who show up each and every day to do whatever the day asks of them. Now don't get me wrong - men are important as well. Very important, they have a strength and leadership that is meant for another writing. This is about women.
We have nurturing hands and loving courageous hearts and no time to do everything - but we make the time to do what is needed now.
Salute yourself this week and remind yourself you are good enough each and every day. Because you are.
To Brandy - who would of been 40 this year. I miss you, and think of you every day, and selfishly wonder what it would be like to still have you here. I really would love to see you roll your eyes at me. Really.
