As we celebrate Mother's Day this weekend, many moms will think back on their motherhood story. This tribute goes out to all moms, stepmoms, grandmothers, and all who fill the role of mom in someone's life. Thanks for all you do and enjoy your special day!
The journey of motherhood is amazing, wonderful and sometimes exhausting. Motherhood is sleepless nights and precious middle-of-the-night baby snuggles; toddlers with sticky fingers, short attention spans, and hugs for days; kids with homework, questions, and kisses; tweens with attitudes and enthusiasm; teens who walk three steps behind you and who keep you up at night chatting about everything; and adult children who leave the nest to make their own way in the world.
Motherhood is filled with first and lasts: first tooth, first word, first steps, first day of school; last middle of the night feeding, last diaper, last lunch shared at school, last night spent at home.
Motherhood means soothing a crying baby, quieting a restless toddler, packing lunches, picking kids up from school, doctors' visits, shuttling kids everywhere, cooking so many meals, cheering from the sidelines, watching plays and concerts, getting up in the middle of the night with a teething baby or a sick child, and waiting up for a late teen. Motherhood is a roller coaster ride with ups and downs, joy and tears, laughter and love -- so much love!
Ask any mom what motherhood means to her and you'll likely see a faraway look in her eyes as her life flashes through her mind. The past plays like a slide show filled the best moments of a lifetime of love.
Motherhood is filled with celebrations: birthdays, holidays, ball games, proms, graduations, and weddings. Motherhood is a memory-filled, fun-packed, wonderful and wonder-filled journey I wouldn't have missed for anything!
Among my most cherished memories are the births of my three children. There are no words to describe the emotions I felt as each baby was placed into my arms. We've shared so many memories through the years as they grew from babies to toddlers, little kids to high schoolers, and now are adults raising their own children
I'm also blessed to be a stepmom to two wonderful adult children. Although I never held them as babies, I love them both so much. They came into my life as middle schoolers and are now amazing parents to their own littles.
And just when you think it couldn't get any better, your baby gives birth to a baby and you're a grandma! One of the most wonderful things about being a grandma is watching our children interact with their children. I'm so blessed that our daughters and daughters-in-law are such wonderful, loving moms! Thank you to the children who call me Mom, Stepmom, Sandy, Grandma, and Gan! I love you all so much and I am so blessed!
Motherhood is defined by the joys and memories we carry in our hearts. The cry of your newborn baby, the feel of your baby's fingers wrapped around yours, your toddler's first steps, your child's first words, the first day of kindergarten and so many other moments remain forever etched in your memory. Becoming a mom made me truly appreciate the love and sacrifices of my own mom.
Whether you became a mom by birth, adoption, marriage or love, may your Mother's Day be filled with love, laughter and happiness. Happy Mother's Day from our family to yours!
