I believe that people come into your life for a reason. It may be that you gain a lifelong friend or that person may only be in your life for mere moments ... but I think that people come into our lives to teach us lessons, to help us grow and to encourage us to do better, give more and think past ourselves.
I've had so many women that I consider mentors come into my life and for that I am grateful this Mother's Day.
Take my own Mom. She's amazing. As a single Mom, she raised my multiply-handicapped sister and me and did a fabulous job. She offered us pure love and unconditional acceptance as we grew up and tried to figure out who we were. She taught us to treat others with respect and kindness, no matter what their race, gender or personal situation. I used to tease her because she was always so upbeat and positive. My Mom is a strong woman, a business owner and a fabulous Mom. I know that I am blessed to have her.
I've had others who I also think about at Mother's Day - my Grandma Sue, who isn't technically my Grandma - or even blood related - but to me, she has always been Grandma. She's the one I went to when I realized that I was in love with my husband. I needed to ask her and my Grandpa how they KNEW that they would last forever. And forever they did - they celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on the year that he passed away. Grandma Sue taught me to trust my hear t and to allow myself to fall. And, she's funny as hell. I adore her.
The wee one's Godmother, Lizzie, is herself a mother of three little girls (my sweet, beautiful, silly little goddaughters). I'll never forget being in the backseat of her mini-van; (Ack! When did that happen? We used to cruise around in my Jeep with the top off, no responsibilities and no real jobs!) her oldest was having a true full-blown temper tantrum. Lizzie kept her cool like I've never seen before. In that moment, she was solidified as my Mommy-role model. The one that I called in the middle of the night when I was having breast feeding issues or just to hear someone tell me that yes, I did the right thing by deciding on the MacLaren stroller.
I met Jen at the PGA when I was still working in the golf industry. She is a dynamo at her job and we clicked right away, as professional women working in a male dominated industry. We quickly became close friends and though she is not yet a Mom, I know that our friendship helps me to be a better one. She's the one I talk to about everything from celebrity gossip (yes, the latest Bachelor was a total jerk for proposing then dumping Melissa!) to how to talk to my boss about going out on maternity. She's a smartie, a super friend and an all-around great girl. I adore her!
I stop each morning at Starbucks on my way to work. The manger, Sue, is always swamped but every day she takes the time to ask me how I'm doing or to find out how my weekend was. She makes the point to do this with everyone that passes through. She's taught me that it only takes a minute to greet someone, to make them feel welcome and to have that human interaction. I think that I go there more out of routine and the sense of community than I do for the actual coffee.
What women in your life have made an impact? Send them a free, fully customizable e-card this Mother's Day from Women on Their Way and let them know why they are important to you. You can also choose to share your story on the WOTW Mother's Day website.
I'm so thankful to have so many special women in my life - Here's to you ladies! Happy Mother's Day.
xoxoxo,
Alyson
April 27, 2009 11:29 AM | Reply
It is one of life's great gifts that you can choose your family. Blood is one way to be related; the love and connections we make throughout life count just as much. Alyson, I'm glad you've had a chance to know both.