As I sit here thinking back on the ladies that nutured me thoughout my childhood and as a young adult, a thought flits through the brain. Although, we have one natural mother, so many ladies form our outlook on life. Mine of course was Mom, first and foremost. She taught me kindness, generosity and faithfulness and a whole boatload of life skills. My maternal grandmother taught me meekness, passiveness and patience. My paternal grandmother passed before I was born but from her, I learned stubborness and not to fear hard work. My mother-in-law taught me respect and love. My grandmother-in-law taught me how to look at things with a sense of humor. Aunt Marie instructed me not only physical things like how to pick a crab, can greenbeans and put sleeves on a garment but how to face whatever life threw at me. Aunt Betty taught me the more genteel things of life such as always maintaining a good attitude and having a ready smile. My mom's cousin, Fairie Lyn, made sure I learned preparedness, budgeting and a love for nature. My Aunt Jamie showed me how to hold my head up high, look others in the eye and say "I am good enough!" Aunt Eloise instilled in me the love of learning and reading. Aunt Helen gave me pointers in how to keep the imagination alive and how to see the lighter side of things. Obviously, it takes a village to raise a child...or at least a mom and a dozen or so aunts and grandmothers!
The main thing is that all of these ladies gave. They gave love to a little girl growing up, to a young woman stepping out and to a mother raising kids of her own. They just gave without ever looking at what they would receive in return. Now even though, they are all gone from this world, their lessons live. I look back and wish that I had asked more questions. How I wish I had listened more, talked less and followed more of their advice. I miss them. I can only pray that I was half the mother that they ALL were to me.
To all the young mothers out there in the process of raising little ones or fighting to steer teenagers in the right direction, I have one bit of advice. Be proud of the job you are doing. It is tough. It is the hardest job you will ever do. It seems to be thankless at times but do not despair. You have been chosen to be one who leads your child to greatness. You can do it! You ARE doing it! Happy Mother's Day.
