For my memory

I am fully aware that this post is late but I didn't want to not post my feelings.

Webster's Dictionary;

Mother;  maternal tenderness or affection

Sunday was Mother's Day. 

Collin's Grandma Georga passed away last year so we went to the cemetery.

Grandpa Tom was of course a little sad, and though we were there for him, to honor his wife, he still said to me "Is this your first Mother's Day without your mom?". It reminded me of the night before my Grandma Sherwood passed away. I wasn't feeling well and she said to me "Honey are you not feeling well"? And I never even thought that she was probably not feeling well, but she and Grandpa Tom are just two examples of the many people in my life who constantly show selfless acts of thoughtfulness and kindness. Usually in times when they're in need. If only I could be so observant, and in tune.

At the cemetery there were probably 10 or 15 other people/families there visiting graves. Some were young families with 3 or 4 kids; some were single girls who were my age, there all alone; some were just men, who appeared to be visiting their wives. It made me heart break, in fact it was even painful. I cried to Collin saying "Those people are here because they don't have mommies anymore". 

So many women in my life also don't have mommies anymore, and it made me that much more grateful for my mommy. She does EVERYTHING for me. And not necessarily just for me, but for everyone. I call home 9,000 times a day, and she never acts tired of it. I ask her the most simple questions, and she never makes me feel silly. I cry about simple things and she never takes the lightly. I laugh at non-laughable things, and she never condemns me. She is the perfect example of all I want to be, and I am grateful, and honored to call her my mom. 

My mother in law has become such a rock in my life. And I am not only grateful for her raising the man that I will raise my family with, but for taking me in like her own. She teaches me by word, by deed, and by love. She gives me hope. She sees my needs. She thinks of my wounds and ways to heal them, and she is my true friend.

I never had sisters. Only 4 brothers. Until December of my 8th year, then I finally got my sister! And then in the next few years after that, I got 3 more. And though some of them aren't mothers yet, they have all been mothers, in some way to me. They have loved me unconditionally, taught me so willingly, helped be become a woman instead of a girl, decorated for my receptions, done my hair for prom, dyed my hair when it was getting nappy, cried with me, sat on my bed in the wee hours of the morning, and treated me as their real sister, and for that I am grateful for you who have loved me.

I also got some new sisters when I married Collin and they have been a blessing in my life. You see, I met the family for the first time at Grandma Georga's funeral, so it could have been not only easy, but understandable for me to be ignored, but Collin's sisters and sisters-in law took me aside and got to me know and made me feel so welcome. And their kindness hasn't stopped. I love the occasional e-mail to just say hi. I love learning how to cook. I love being inspired by their kindness acts of motherhood, and I am grateful for the love, laughter, and kindness you bring to my life. 

To my grandmothers. I have 4 ya know! Grandma Melba; I think we would have gotten along! She could cut a rug, she loved pizza, and she had a lot of spit-fire sass! I'm grateful for how she raised her son, who raised his and gave him to me! Grandma Georga; What an honor to be able to meet her. I met her only once. Knew her hardly at all. Spoke very few words to her. And she hugged me. That alone has taught me lesson after lesson about the wonderful woman she was. She showed immediate love, what an example. Grandma Martin. My mom says I look like her. And sometime I feel her presence. I used to ask to  be able to dream about her when I said my prayers at night. And when I read about her, or hear stories, or see pictures, I have no doubt of the woman she was. I think I get my love for "hosting" things from her. She used to always have someone over for dinner. I am grateful for the time we spent together before this life. Grandma Sherwood. I miss her. She understood me, and loved me for who I was, and for who I wasn't. I see her helping me in my everyday life, and am grateful for the time we had. Thank you to my Grand Mothers.

Now to all of you who have been a mother to me when you didn't have to be. Carol in Texas, always makes me feel at home. To Aunt Kitty, who never forgets a birthday or an important event. To Markee for encouraging me, and appreciating my talents even when ours were so different. To Sister Kupfer, for seeing when I needed love and sending me bundles. To Tami for getting me through my bad days. To Jayde for her random thoughts of gospel truths. To Katie, Rylee, and Chelsee for showing me, everyday, what I want to be. For Aunt Lena, who has changed my diaper, picked me up from school, let me be sick on her couch, for going to my soccer games and every choir thing she could. To all of you who have taught me what love and womanhood is; Happy Mother's Day. I love you.

Grandpa:

Grandpa Sherwood turned 88 on Sunday. He pretends he can't hear, but I've never met a better listener. His love seeps through his pours and into his hands, and then he gives it away to all he meets. And he never runs out. He supports me still. He is simply an example of all truth, goodness, love and truth and I am grateful he is my grandpa. Happy Birthday Grandpa!