Gail is my birth mother, but I was only 9 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 my first nine years.
Inez was in my 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 is a phrase "Home is where I am".
But as I walk this earth without them by my side, others have stepped in to nurture me in ways a mother might if she were here. Who are those women?