Happy Mother's Day

Today is Mother’s Day, and as a new mom myself, I’d like to take the opportunity to thank the mothers in my life. They have truly helped to shape me into the mother I am today; I look to them for guidance and support, but I also take from them values, qualities, and lessons from which I now parent my son.

First, my mom. My mom leads a busy life, but she always makes time for us. She tends to have the foresight to know when she is needed. She has been patient and understanding with me as I’ve grown over the years. Oftentimes I look to her for guidance, especially in terms of my career, and she lends support in many aspects of my life. She is caring and her love is unconditional. Thank you, mom, for raising me.

I was also very fortunate to grow up having two other mothers in my life as well, my grandmothers. Each of them lived around the corner, so I saw them often and established a close relationship with both. My Grandma Herr is a rock, she has incredible strength and I have always admired her for that. She has taught me a lot about family, what it means to enjoy one another’s company and to make time for one another. She takes pride in our accomplishments and would do anything for us; I am grateful for her generosity and love.

Though I’m not convinced my Grandma Jaeger knows who I am any longer, due to the progression of Alzheimer’s, I have many a joyous memory of her from my childhood. My grandma taught me to enjoy life and to take time for the simple things. We’d spend countless hours outdoors, swinging in the backyard, going for walks, riding our bikes, or skating on the pond. She loved to sing to us and I now find myself humming a tune as I rock my son that she once sang to me. Thank you to both grandmas for having such a presence in my life.

I’ve also in recent years had the opportunity to establish a relationship with my step-mother, Carol. Many a time has she proven to be a sounding board for me, and though we’ve had our growing pains, I know she values the connection we’ve been able to build. She takes pleasure in time spent together, and it’s always nice to get together with her and my dad for a visit!

My mother-in-law, Alda, is another amazing mother in my life. I am absolutely astounded at all that she does for her family. So many times we’ve called last minute for her to watch Isaiah or Raider, and she does not for a second hesitate to accept. She is giving and kind, with a warm heart. Alda, I notice all the little things you do and I appreciate them.

Thank you again to all the mothers to me for everything you do, whether I touched on it or it went unsaid. You’ve been instrumental in my life and I am grateful for all that you’ve done and continue to do. Happy Mother’s Day! Be sure to enjoy the day, you deserve it!