This morning I got several emails and texts wishing me a Happy Mother's Day. Entering church at least 5 people greeted me with "Happy Mother's Day". I never had biological children, but I have been a step-mother now for 45 years. So what is a mom... is it only a woman who has given birth? I don't believe so. I tried to share love, strength, hope, guidance and to be both shepherd and teacher. The operative word being tried. I believe just about every woman is a mother.
When we hear the term mother, we most often think of birth mothers and that is natural. That being said, I think many folks have had a very different journey with mothers which alters that perception. Let me begin with my two ‘real’ mothers. Meet Gail and Inez.
Gail is my birth mother, but I was only 8 when she died. We all know the early years in a child’s life are crucial as the brain is at its most flexible and Gail’s mothering helped shape my intellect, behavior and developmental abilities. Of course these continued to grow and change in later years, but Gail lovingly shared in all this during those first eight years.
Inez walked by my side in life for 9 years. These were the tween and teen years. We all know how tumultuous these years are! This age group can be tough on parents and I am sure, goody two shoes I thought I was, I was no different. In particular those tween years weighed heavy on both of us. I am just so very grateful Inez loved enough to care enough to love enough…
Both women had a huge impact on who I am today. It was not about the length of time I had them to hold on to, but about their nurturing me as a human to be kind, real, honest and caring.
Inez knew the struggle of losing a parent and always allowed me to carry that love in my heart. She allowed me to be a hurt little girl in a new world of a blended family. She did not try to whip me into a new and improved model, but honored and nurtured my gifts. I am forever grateful.
Some people have the same mother well into their elder years, always there for them. That was not my journey. Having the love and care of Gail and Inez, each for only a few short years, made me realize that people don’t have just one mother, there are mother figures throughout your entire life.
motherhood -
who inspires you
who has taught by example
forgiven you
walked alongside
helped you find your way
who has been your champion
your cheerleader
your guide
a birth mother is obviously a most special soul
but not all women can walk 2 paths
one of suffering
one of glory
not all women become biological mothers
for life is not all beautiful & wonderful
there are harsh moments
tough choices
which
when worn in honesty
become glory sightings
the death of both my mothers was tragedy
but each were a gift
of love
of humility
of life lessons
each woman is a part of my heart
always with me
i thank each for guiding me
i needed them both
to show me the way
to help me understand
the true nature
of serving
of giving
of love
happy mother’s day
Perhaps you can reach out to several women in your life and tell them they matter.