Happy Mother's Day!

I am incredibly blessed to have an amazing mother who is always there for me. Who I talk to every day and see almost as much. Who is there every time I need her (and even when I don't!). Who is there for all of us, my husband, my children, the rest of our family and even my friends. Who has set the bar very, very high for me to become even half as good for my children but I will continuously strive to do so. And I will find great joy in that effort because she taught me well. Thank you mom. I love you with all my heart.

I have also been blessed to have other mother figures in my life. Wonderful people who have mothered me when I've needed that strong yet soft shoulder to lean on. Amazing grandmothers, now in their 90's who have loved me and spoiled me yet weathered great hardship and loss in their own lives. Favorite aunts who have played with me and also spoiled me and have been there whenever my mother couldn't. And for one aunt in particular, who may not have actually given birth to children of her own but who has mothered me and others in the way we needed it most. Friends who have grown up with me and who I've found along the way in my lifetime. They've been there when I've needed them to confide in, to lean on, to laugh with. They've helped guide me when felt like I would pull my hair out and didn't know what to do next. And then they were there later when we could actually laugh about it. Without them I would have gone stark raving mad by now.

And my husband, who has always been there no matter what, who is my rock and my love. The man who never thought "in sickness and in health" would mean long term sickness so soon in our lives. He was already a terrific husband and the best father but when I developed chronic illnesses several years ago with our children still so very young, he never flinched. He stepped in to mother me and the kids all of the times we needed it most. He took over all of the shopping, the cooking, and many household chores that I preferred to do since I worked part time, and he continued working his full time job and coaching many of the boys' sports. While I am fortunate that I have manageable conditions I know it hasn't been easy for him. He's never complained and I hope he knows how much he means to me.

So happy Mother's Day for all who mother in one way or another. You may have children, you may not, but you have been a special person to someone who has needed you. Enjoy the day.