Mothers- Real Role Models

Dear Olivia Marie,

It's Mother's Day and it's safe to say that in my brief time of mothering an easy(ish) only child, I do not have the wisdom nor experience to sum up what it means to be a mom in one lovely paragraph. But I have decided that being a mom for me can currently best be described as joyous agony. The pure love I feel for you is so heavy sometimes it hurts. I read a quote once that described having a child is to have your heart walking around on the outside of your body. That's true. Part of this weight of motherhood is the concern that as you grow up, you won't see yourself the way I see you. That you will look outside of yourself for role models and set yourself up for failure as you try to emulate a false perfection seen in celebrities. We all do it as young girls and it doesn't do us any good. 

In the spirit of Mother's Day, here is a little bit of information about who you are and where you come from. 

This is your NeNe. She raised three boys who are all very respectable men and responsible fathers. Your own daddy is such a great man because of this beautiful woman. She has an incredibly sweet spirit and loves her family like crazy. She knows what it means to sacrifice, to work hard for little money, and how to forgive. 

"NeNe" Donna

This is your DeeDee. She has the spirit of a mother and chose to use that spirit to care for her own mother when she became ill at far too young of an age. DeeDee stepped up to be a mother for her own. The love, care, and concern that mothers have for their children pours from her heart onto you and your aunts and uncles. 

"DeeDee" Dottie

This is your Grana. She raised five children and is an example of how motherhood doesn't end once the babies are grown. She is patient, loving, long-suffering, and a great story teller. She knows heartbreak and how to rise above it and become stronger and happier from the struggle. Your Grana believes that faith can get you through anything.....and it's a little difficult to disagree with her based on her track record of praying for things and then getting results. (For example, you exist) 

"Grana" Dana

You are also fortunate to have many great-grandmas. All of these women have worked hard to help support their families, lived through times of struggle and peace, and raised the people who raised the people who are raising you. 

Grandma Great Sandra

Great Grandma Bradley

                                                      

Grandma Great Betty

     

Great Grandma Jo

So you see, you don't need to look to outside sources for role models. When you look in the mirror, these are the women who shine through your eyes. These are women with strength, intelligence, love, patience, beauty inside and out, and you have their qualities within you. Realize that although you don't come from wealth and fame, you come from truth and faith and mothers who have, through their imperfections, lived lives of purpose. That's something to emulate. 

Love, 

Mommy