For all the mothers in my life...

Beginning with the first one I ever knew...my own. Affectionately known as mama, mother, mom, grandma, aunt barbara, and to Jack, "Babs" (thanks for letting him call you that!) Still gives her all, even though she is tired. I always wondered why she was the last one to finish eating on those occasions we got to go out to eat...was it because she was so busy tending to all of us, or because she wanted to make sure we had all we wanted before ever taking her first bite. I learned the meaning of love from her.

My girls...Christine and Shelly. Christine...you are on a journey that God is guiding. You have blessed us with Jack and we anticipate our newest little one, when the time is right. But, for this time, take good care and remember how very much you are loved. Shelly...precious daughter-in-law, wife of Mike, mommy to Jackson and Logan, WAY too many miles separate us, but you are always in our heart. This year has been bittersweet for you...but God has shone in you. Praying now for your brother and his surgery. Do you know how much you are loved!
(Note to reader...Emily, our daughter, is not a mommy yet. But she mothers so many through her job as a Social Worker. She also runs, not walks, to the rescue to help with Jack. There is no doubt, God has a special plan for her, and I just cannot wait to watch it continue to unfold!)

My sisters, Donna and Marianne, and my sister-in-law, Lisa. Amazing moms, different hurdles, same result...such an encouragement to me...EVERY day! Donna...let's see, where do I begin. Devoted wife, "mama" of 5, nana to Noah; my personal "interior decorator", in my home, and in my heart. Too far away...her hugs are super wonderful...but someday, we'll be together with our grandmothers and we can sit on the porch and catch up! Marianne...most people think she is my daughter and that is a compliment, but sorry, I don't get to take the credit. She IS however, mother to two of my FAVORITE people, Melissa Jo and Mary Kate. She leads the pack in bravery, and I just love to watch her live! Lisa...mother of 3 boys, who are amazing, and a wonderful "homemaker" ( you would LOVE her house and would never imagine she lives with 4 males), works fulltime, carpools to all the events, and loves my brother (who, by the way, brought her into this family and I will be forever grateful for that!)

My grandmothers, who even though they are in heaven, I continue to celebrate them. They brought my parents into this world.

My aunts...both sides...times together are so few now, but precious each time. Aunt Sarah...even though you took DONNA to see Paul Revere and the Raiders, I'm okay with that. You remind me of my grannie when I was a little girl...beautiful smile, amazing hair; and always reminding me that during a dark time, I helped your precious babies, and THAT was my honor. Aunt Nini...WHAT "almost 50" year old calls her aunt named Anita, Nini? I do, and I am proud of it! You welcomed us into your home with grace and love. My children love you, and so do I. Aunt Nan...undoubtedly one of the most gracious women I have ever met. Raised an amazing family in south Louisiana and even though we haven't been together "physically" in many years, you have a special place in the center of my heart. I miss you! "Aunt Donna"...many of you are amazed when I tell you that this sweetheart is my aunt! We are actually quite close in age, but, she married my uncle, so technically, she is my aunt. She is a "fashion world expert", travels with my uncle and finds all kinds of neat stuff in the most "off the main highway" places. She can make my grandma's fruit salad EXACTLY as I remember it as a child, and Christmas at her house is pretty much the only time we get together. The sad part...we live about 10 minutes apart. I love her so much. Someday, we'll keep the promise to see each other more often.

My "other girls"...cousins Leann, Kristi and Cami. Leann...you are the post in the barbed-wire fence, and only YOU will understand that. (Note to reader...in our family, this IS a compliment!) Mommy to Kaylee and Hannah Christine...who knew the parallel we'd we be drawing now when you gave her that name! Kristi...the baby...but so grown up. You are doing a GREAT job with your boys and I am SO proud of you! Cami...stretched, but not broken...YOU are a witness of faith in the face of fear. Sidenote...all of the children of these girls, who are technically my 2nd cousins, removed, whatever...they call me Aunt Mindy. I LOVE that!!!

Roy's mom passed away before we married. I really missed having a mother-in-law. I always thought that would be so neat! And from the stories I have heard about her, and the influence she had on my sweet husband, she was really something. Roy's dad died when Roy was 16 and he was the oldest child of 3. Roy's mom never learned to drive, so the first family car was Roy's Carolina Blue '57 Chevy. He rose to the challenge of being the "man" in the family, attended THE University of North Carolina and was a cheerleader (another story for another time, but a very enterprising way to get to see great basketball for FREE!). He served in the Army for 6 years, 2 of those as a helicopter pilot in Vietnam. If you asked him who the greatest influence in his life was, he would tell you it was "mom". I will just love sitting on the porch with her, too!

Speaking of "mother-in-laws", my daughter Christine has one of the BEST in Kathy. We are blessed to not only be joined by our children, but as friends and sisters in the Lord. She is one of my very favorite people, and I just love the way she "mothers" my daughter. YOU are a blessing!

To all the other mothers in my life...from my old friends to my precious co-workers, sweet young mothers who have become my friends, friends I have made over the years, who wake up every day to live another Mother's day...I celebrate you. You are living out the examples God gave us in the Bible to inspire us to be the best mothers we can be.

Be blessed this Mother's Day and every day...there is no "job" more important than the one you are doing at home.

Happy Mother's Day...and, as usual, LOTS of hugs!