There are many kinds of mothers….some women are mothers without realizing it. There are:
- Birth Mothers
- Adoptive Mothers
- Step Mothers
- Grandmothers
- Mothers-in-law
- Mothers with angel babies who were not blessed to raise them here on earth
- Aunt Mothers – who play a significant role in the lives of their nieces and nephews
- Sister Mothers – who raise or help raise their brothers and sisters
- Longing Mothers – never blessed to conceive but aching to do so
- Background Mothers – unspoken heroes helping raise children who are not their own, children for whom they have no legal responsibility, but they are in relationships that call for them to help a partner raising his children.
- ….and probably many other types of mothers.
Mother’s Day always brings mixed emotions for me. I feel so very blessed to have my three children who have grown up to be wonderful human beings in spite of me. But I have family and friends who want desperately to have children and have not been blessed with a child to raise either because of a stillbirth, the inability to carry or the inability to conceive. I know this day leaves them aching.
My oldest daughter, Heather, has never had her own children and I know this day is always tough for her. My heart hurts for her because she, and so many women like her, fail to realize what a blessing they have been in the lives of their nieces and nephews and friends’ children. They can truly be earth angels and save the lives and spirits of children not their own.
I was one of those children for whom my aunts “saved” me in so many ways when my own mother wasn’t there for me. One aunt hooked me up for my first paying job when I was 16. Two other aunts took me in (sometimes for a weekend, sometimes for months) when things became too rough at home. I can’t imagine where or what I would be if it weren’t for them.
I have a mother-in-law who lives in Kentucky, Faye Wilson. Although her son and I divorced many years ago, she is still and always will be my mother. She taught me the real meaning of giving your all for your children. She is a remarkable woman and doesn’t have a clue how amazing she is. I love her with all my heart.
So, I say Happy Mother’s Day to all these types of mothers and I am sure there are some I have missed. Please realize that you are a remarkable woman; that children may need you in ways you can’t imagine…as someone who cares, as a confidant, as a friend when they feel they have none. Thank you for all you do and the love you share. You are truly amazing!
