They may be called mom, momma, grandma, mee-maw, granny,
gran, gram, auntie or various other names that can mean mentor, teacher,
protector, guider, and matriarch. Known
by many titles, women can form solid bedrock of strength in our life through
their efforts and energies. Though it is
not a guarantee that all women will nurture those around them, there are many
that expend their energies to do so.
Today is the recognized Mother’s Day holiday and I enjoyed recognizing
my own mom and her role in my life today.
She is such a tremendous example of love and wisdom. We have shared tears through laughter and over
difficulties. We have challenged each
other to learn different skills and shared many adventures. Girls trips, prayer times, history discussions,
faith building, baking bread, singing songs, book reading, and confidence building
are just a few of the things she has brought into my life. I thank her for being a mother who has
parented passionately and intentionally, wanting to be the best mother
possible.
There are also other women who have instilled good things
into me. So many strong and vibrant
women flash through my mind, who “mothered” me even though not my birth
mother. Beyond women in my family who
have also been an example, I wanted to mention a few others. My dear sisters who mother their own children
and are a source of joy to watch, especially as I get to be an aunt! My Ohio mom who has been a voice of comfort
in times when the world was falling down, and also lets me be silly and relax
in my skin. A Kentucky Sunday School
teacher provided me with a place to feel accepted when I felt so very out of my
comfort zone. My dear Ena who passed
away not terribly long ago, she was my baby sitter when I was a baby and a
little girl. She kept me busy, loved, prayed
over, and gave southern sweet tea as a treat.
My eighth grade science teacher helped me bridge the move to Florida while
being someone who could talk about NASA and explain math. We shared a common love of space and she is
still so dear to me. Student teaching
with two lovely ladies taught me about loving students and also maintaining energetic
professionalism in a classroom. Challenged
to think, laugh, explore, love, and grow – these women and so many more have
been enormous influences in my life. I
thank them and wish them Happy Mother’s Day!
You may or may not have children. You may have experienced the loss of a mom or
a child. So many women suffer through
this day instead of celebrating it, and to them I say let’s celebrate your
influence in “momming” others around you!
