What makes a woman a mother?

Seems like a simple enough question; you give birth… Humm, I have met many women who have not given birth that easily fit into the “Mom” category.  In fact, many of the women I hold close to my heart have not experienced the birthing process. Hours of excruciating pain and the realization that your partner in the delivery room is wearing the UGLIEST shirt known to man and perhaps for a few the startling realization that the person meant to provide comfort is not able to because well…. They just can’t. Only to arrive home hours after your greatest physical accomplishment to realize you are not being filmed by TLC and have to make what ever meal it is that is next on the agenda.
I lost my mom a few years ago and it has not been easy.

 Oh, wow I really miss her….

This is not about the woman I called mom. I will save that for another day. This is about the women I call Aunt, Step- mom, friend, sister.  These women fill the same shoes a mom does.  They love, comfort and encourage every move. Each give of them selves without question to not only myself but to my children, for no other reason than love.
See it took me well into adulthood ( the toughest hood to be in ) to realize that the though the title of mom holds great weight, the terms of endearment in which we refer to other women in our lives who selflessly pick up the pieces of us scattered everywhere. Look at us and say with the purest intention; “get over yourself” “I am here” “I love you” It is those women who have no birth connection to you, see the beautiful mess and choose to stand behind you nudging ever so slightly.

My home is full of children.  I am loved beyond imagination. I no longer have a mom…. I have been blessed with so many beautiful women around me that I know without doubt my mom is smiling.

So, on this Mothers Day pick up the phone call your mom and any other woman who loves you it is their day too.

❤ Leigh
© 2018

To my mom: Hey, you left me in the care of amazing women. Thank you for everything you taught me for the guidance you have given to them when it comes to dealing with me…yeah, I’m stubborn. Where do you think I got it from?  Remember when you said you hoped I’d end up with a kid like me?  I did, and because of you I know I’ll get through it. I miss you.

❤ Leeker
© 1973