Mother's Day...

"The word Mother has so many defining terms...

To me it is a very special reminder that it is a choice by a woman to unconditionally love and guide another being through the trials and tribulations of life. There is no match for the inspiration and power of a Mothers love!

I am extremely fortunate to be witness to many amazing women that have taken this selfless role and are the protector, the educator, the mentor, the healer, and the provider with absolutely nothing expected in return.
My wish is that today the Mothers I know find that it is an everyday gratitude for your role in your child/children's lives. There is no term or phase that can come close to describe a woman who chooses this role. I praise the women who accept this roll and applaud all that you do!
To Mom: I am grateful that I feel I am a reflection of your beautiful attributes, you chose to care for me, guide me and I am and will be forever grateful for it!
I Love You Mom, Happy Mothers Day!" ~ Johnny Trafecanty


Johnny Trafecanty is an old coach from when I ran for the Northridge Pacers. He definitely hit the nail on the head with the above. He described perfectly so many of the sentiments I had not put in to words yet. It embodies all mothers, blood & otherwise.


Today was such an amazing day for reflection. It brought me so very many different emotions. I spent much of my day thinking of all the moms who have impacted my life. This may take a while, however, I feel like it needs to be put into black & white.


First off, my mom... biological mom... Although we have not always seen eye to eye & although there were many instances (although, mostly my fault) we fought or argued or didn't communicate, I am not entirely sure I regret it, because, if we hadn't gone through all that rotten stuff, I am not sure I would appreciate all the good stuff now. You, in all your quirkiness, molded me & shaped me in so many ways. As a mom, I now have an appreciation for the things I didn't always understand before. & although there are many things I still may not agree on, I can appreciate where you come from & I can also be grateful that there are many things you taught me of what I didn't want to do as a parent. Your dedication to getting Rick, James & myself the best of the best when it came to education, sports, & even the every day necessities is incredible. & even to this day, although we are grown & parents of our own, you still step in to rescue the day when you can. As a grandmother, Miya & Xander are not lacking in anything. =) For all of this I am grateful. Your perseverance is admirable & I can truly appreciate it now. Your ability to not allow others thoughts or emotions to affect you is incredible.


Chris... although we met later in life, you were placed in my life when I needed a strong woman who would tell me like it was but still show me love. Even with our rocky start, it makes our relationship that much more special. You came along when my relationship with my mom was at it's worst. You came along when my dad's relationship with me was so very new. Loving me & treating me as your own, unconditionally, has forever cemented the bond we have that I so dearly needed at that time in my life. Your experience & wisdom helped me overcome my horrible lack of self esteem/ self confidence & self loathing.You helped give me a new perspective of myself. You knew what I needed without me having to say/ ask... & sometimes, even before I knew. You were always that one unbiased, non judgmental person I could go to about anything & everything.


Mrs. Angele... how many weekends & holidays did I spend with you???? more than I could ever count. I feel as though I've always been an extension of your family. You jumped right in & treated me like one of your children, right down to making me birthday cakes without me asking.


Mrs. Angele Sr.... Although I didn't know until you had already passed on, you stuck up to my mom about how she had no idea who I really was. I always thought you disliked me & then, you take me by surprise, with the news of you defending me.


Mama.... though the paperwork was never finalized, I will always feel as though you are my mom... the mom who raised & reared me, the mom who loved me & taught me what it was like to be part of a family. You intervened with Poppy for us, you taught me how to cook, you played mediator between Shilo & I. You showed me that a mom can also be a friend. You showed me support & love & fought for me, like a mother would fight for their child.


Marmee.... you are the example of self sacrifice. you mother so many, above & beyond your 10. Reconnecting with you & renting a room from you was a blessing for Miya & I. You put everyone else before yourself. You offered wisdom on many different subjects. You tell it like you see it & you have a pretty good sense of humor. =) Miya has always responded to you in such a unique way.


Erin.... I thank God every day that Jacinta "introduced" us.You are the very essence of the things I believe & feel when it comes to mothering & family & friendship & the whole nine yards. My life became richer & fuller when we connected & you have become one of my very best of friends & mentors. You inspire me to do better & be better, for myself & my babes. Your patience, understanding, generosity, charity towards others, is something to be admired & respected. Even when you have a full plate, you still are willing to lend a hand. Your beautiful children are a reflection of the amazing person you are.