Mothers.

I have such wonderful mothers in my life.

My mother is one of my very best friends. I talk to her almost every day & about almost everything. She is a strong, beautiful, talented, intelligent, caring woman. I never knew how much she sacrificed for me until I became a mother myself. Her example has shaped me into the woman I am today. So many things she has done in her life have gone unnoticed and unappreciated. One of my very favorite songs conveys the thoughts of my heart about my mother:

She is not the picture on the magazine (though she is gorgeous!)

She's the woman just behind you at the checkout stand

She may appear to be common but she mystifies

In all the ways the wisest men and children understand

'Cause she has eyes that sparkle with her love

And she has a smile that's as gentle as a dove

And no woman from a movie or an ad could ever hope to be

As beautiful as she
She is not a highly honored diplomat

Held responsible to lead the world to peace

But what she does is every bit as serious

Amidst the turmoil everywhere that will never cease

'Cause she has hands that wipe the tears away

And she has a voice that makes everything O.K.

And no woman from the papers or T.V. could ever hope to be

As indispensable as she
And it breaks my heart every time I see her wonder

If she means anything in this world that pulls her under

And she doesn't always see the way that Heaven smiles above her

That's the reason I try to always tell her that I love her
'Cause she may not be known for giving millions

To the charities and auctions on the news

But I believe she's given more than anyone

In all the times she's ever had to choose

To give up sleep to rock her children every night

And give her heart to always hold their dreams so tight

And the best that you or I could ever hope to be

Is as wonderful as she

And the best that you or I could ever hope to be

Is as wonderful as she

(Cherie Call "She")

I am so blessed to have wonderful mothering examples in my beautiful grandmothers. They to have shown me how to truly and selflessly love. They raised mine and Spencer's wonderful parents and have influenced us and our children by their righteous examples. They are all inspiring.

My Mother-in-law is such an amazing woman. How blessed am I to have her example has a mother as I have become one myself. In marrying Spencer, I gained so much more than an fabulously amazing man, I also gained his mother. She is fantastic. I feel so grateful that I have a wonderful friendship with her. She has, and continues to teach me so much. She is creative, loving, beautiful, & giving. We share so many of the same personality traits (as my husband always points out!) I will take that as a very welcomed compliment.

I am certain that these woman are more than I could ever hope to be. Thank you for your examples in my life, and in the lives of so many others.