Happy Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day will be officially over in one hour, and I would be sad if I did not give recognition to the mothers who contributed so much to shaping my life.  Today I was preoccupied with my nephew’s wedding which will take place next Saturday.  While leaving his house, we passed the cemetery where many of my relatives that I have known that have died are buried.  I quickly said hi to my grandmother, my aunt and my step mother.  My mother died when I was very young, and is buried back East.  I never knew her, but she gets credit for bringing me into this World.  My grandmother took on the task of helping to raise my brother, sister and myself.  When I was five, my dad remarried.  When I was seven, my aunt, who had no children, came to live with my grandmother and grandfather.  She took my sister and me under her wings.  Although each of these women played a part in shaping my life, I believe my aunt was the one who influenced my life the most.  My grandmother died when I was going into sixth grade.  My aunt died in 1999.  My step mom died in 2004. 

So, where does that leave me?  Well, I’m not sure, but I suppose I find myself often wondering what one of them would say about this or that.  Or, they sure would have enjoyed this or that.  I know I have two chances at motherhood, one regarding my relationship with my mother(s) and one being a mother.  If I wasn’t successful in one, I hope to be in the other.  My children are 18 and 20 now, and I can say that I really love being a mom.  Of course, we have had our little ups and downs, but on special days like today, I can only remember the good times.  I have so many wonderful memories, I could just sit and look at photos or videos for a week and relive our lives.  I haven’t had that chunk of time, but someday I’ll look at them and enjoy the memories.

I have had the privilege of being influenced by more than just these three women.  I have been blessed to have had more mother figures in my life than most. Each have played important roles in friendship and spiritual mentoring.  Each came at the right time in my life, and I know these blessings weren’t by accident.  

As I develop into a “mature” woman of sorts I hope to be a mentor of some type to any woman or young girl who has a need for one.  I pray that I will be a friend who listens, who can be trusted, who prays for and with them.

I wish all mothers a Happy Mother’s Day today.  May you be blessed and loved on this special day.

~ by joandayimages on May 10, 2010.