Mother's Day Weekend

I hope to post about the actual weekend on Monday on my standtallnow.blogspot.com blog.

But, for today, I want to say a few things to preface this weekend.

Dear WOMEN:

This can be a hard weekend.

For moms.

For women who are moms, but who don't physically have their children on earth with them.

For women who gave their babies up for adoption.

For women who have tried and tried to have children, but cannot.

For women who are not close to their mothers or to their children.

For women who chose not to be mothers, and feel judged on this holiday.

It is also a beautiful time for some moms.

It's a time of gratitude for the ability to be a mother, or an auntie.

I like to celebrate ALL women on Mother's Day.

I have been buoyed up and supported and loved unconditionally by so many women throughout my life who are not my mother.

Neighbors, friends, teachers, nurses, therapists, co-workers, etc.

My children have been loved and influenced by so many women who are not even related to them, and by some who are.

Grandmothers, adopted grandmothers, aunts, great-aunts, neighbors, friends, co-workers, etc.

For me personally, being a mother is everything to me.

In the midst of my 42 year addiction, this was not always noticeable, and it certainly wasn't portrayed to my children adequately.

Not even close.

Being a mother was all I ever wanted.

I didn't want to be a doctor or a lawyer, a teacher or a businesswoman, a physicist or the president.

I wanted to be a mom.

My four boys are my greatest blessings.

They are rich in knowledge, hard work, resilience, patience, kindness, compassion, comedy, love and courage.

They are each so different, and yet each such warriors!

They are LIFE!

I also get to be a bonus mama.

I have had this opportunity in the past as well.

It's a great challenge, a great trial, and yet one that I adore and learn from everyday.

I get to be an auntie!

I waited a LONG time to be an auntie and there is just nothing in the world like it.

I love my Asher and my Anson infinitely.

I get to be an adopted auntie to my Seth, Anastasia, Jessica and Victoria.

I get to be a mama to our three pups.

The love that is in my heart, and that surrounds me each day is phenomenal and awe-inspiring.

I thank God for these opportunities.

The opportunities to love and be loved.

To all women, thank you!

You are seen.

You are heard.

You are needed.

In every capacity that you fulfill.