I sent messages to all my stepmom friends to get their take on it and their support. After reflecting about it for a week before Mother's Day, I decided it was best to just be open-minded and not to have a lot of expectations. I was pleasantly surprised on Mother's Day by the people that remembered me. For example, my older stepkids remembered me by giving me a nice card and flowers. The relationship I have established over the years with them is priceless to me. I was remembered by several others who I wasn't actually their mother, but in some ways in their life, I was a mother figure to them. I also got simple, nice notes from the kids in our home and the words that were said meant millions to me. My husband remembered me and made me feel appreciated too.
I also feel like Mother's Day is a day to look outside myself and honor those ladies that have played a role of mother in my life. I was able to honor my mom. With age, I have come to appreciate my mom more and more. When I was younger, I knew that she loved me. She was involved in all of my activities and she took good care of me. But just lately I have had some ah ha moments. The moments when you reflect on your life and remember your mom saying, "you will understand when you get older". Well, those times have come! I see now the things from my childhood that she did with me are thread throughout my adult life. I also see where I may have hurt her too. It is interesting how age and trials do that to a person. How you are finally able to relate and understand what your mom was saying all along. I have learned from my mom to try to always be positive and grateful. My mom has not had the easiest life, but she puts a smile on her face and makes the best of it. I hope to be that type of lady someday.
Then I have my mother-in law who has raised a man who is a kind, hardworking and a compassionate husband. She is fun and very generous. From the first time I meet her, she welcomed me and my children into her life. She is an awesome grandma to all of our children. I admire how she takes time to spend one on one time with each of her grandchildren. I have enjoyed developing a good relationship with her and I have learned so many valuable lessons from her.
My sweet daughter-in-law is a wonderful mom to our grandkids. She is very involved in their lives. I love how she focuses on each of her children and what their interests are. She does the mothering thing 110% and it shows! She is teaching her boys to be honorable and respectable young men.
My kid's stepmom has taught them good things that I may not have thought about. Because of the many influences in their lives, it has helped them to become well-rounded individuals.
Just as my life has been touched by many mother figures, our kids can also be mothered and learn wonderful things. There really is so much more to Mother's Day then just me. There are all the people that impact our lives and our children's lives as well.
