To My Mothers

What does it mean to be a mom? There are so many different answers to this question. To define what a mom is or what a mom should be is impossible. After all, have you ever met two mothers that were exactly the same? Mothers are just as different as all of the children out there. There are no right answers. I have 3 moms in my life. Each one is entirely different from the others and have taught me different things. I want to be their best qualities. And even if I fail at times, it is comforting to know that I can't be fired. ;) I just want to say a few things to each of them.

Mom, No matter what was going on in my life you were always behind me, believing in me. I don't think you have ever gone a week without telling me that you are proud of me. So many times I didn't see what was such a big deal...I didn't do anything special. But you still acted as though I had hung the moon. You would give me your advice but always stand back and let me make decisions for my life. I'm sure letting you little girl join the Army wasn't easy! I love where we are now. Friends. No matter what is going on in my life, I can call you and tell you all about it. I never feel judged by you. (Definitely not a trait that I inherited!) I love that thousands of miles apart, I still feel close to you. Just a phone call away. I love you, Mother Marie.


Kim, my other mother :) I honestly can't even remember how old I was when you came into my life. I am so grateful to you for so many reasons. The thing that I cherish the most is the difference you made in my Dad. I absolutely love to see you together. To see him loved and happy. But it is more than that. You not only love my Dad unconditionally but me too. I have never felt like anything less than your daughter. From you, I have learned what it means to sacrifice yourself for the ones you love. You love with every ounce of yourself. So many times I have talked to you and could hear the pure exhaustion in your voice. But you are still trying to figure out ways to help one of us kids or other family/friends. You are so selfless. Even though I am hard headed and refuse to ask for help...I always knew you were there. I knew I had a safety net in you and Dad. I love you, Maw.

Linda, my MIL. I was just a kid when our lives merged. You basically helped raise me too. I will always feel indebted to you. Because of you, I am married to the most amazing man. I absolutely love how our relationship has changed over the last almost 12 years. In the beginning I was just your son's girlfriend. I'm sure you never expected to be stuck with me. ;) Now you are one of my closest friends. You treat me like your daughter, not just your son's wife. I love that. I love our long talks and all the memories we have made along the way. Since the day Ben and I said "I do", you have been our biggest supporter. Not sure we could have made it to this point without you.Your strength and independence inspires me. I do have to say though...if Blake or Hunter tells me one more time that they want to go live with Maw Maw, I may just have to send them your way. ;) I love you. Thank you for everything.


Blake, Hunter and Parker, to be your mom is the greatest gift in the whole world. I have learned more from the 3 of you than anyone or anything. Here is my promise to you. I will always be here, I will always believe in you, support you and love you with all I have. You and your father are the joy in my life. I want to cherish every moment with you.

To all the other moms out there. Remember that there isn't a cookie cutter mom. We are all handmade. Each one formed differently with different ingredients. So instead of worrying about what we should be, focus on passing down the best qualities of you. In the end, all our children really need is love. Happy Mother's Day.