mothers like you

I've mentioned before that all my life I was told I looked like my Mom. And after Mom died I realized it was true -- I would even admit it. I've recently been told I am like my Mom, her actions and personality. But there have been other women in my life or women I've observed, who I would like to pattern myself after.

There's the young woman (probably in her twenties) who lives around the corner. She has three little boys. Sometimes when I drive past their house she'll be in the front yard playing catch when them. One time I drove by and they were planting flowers in the garden. It made me wish I had a second chance with my son; a do over of when I was a young single mom. But since that's impossible, I've just determined to be the best Mom I can be right now.

Then there's "The Lesser." That's what she calls herself, but she is so much more. She is the most beautiful person (inside and out) I have ever met in my life. She's the type of person that shows her inner beauty all the time. She is gentle and tender and loving and full of grace. She hugs with genuine feeling. I've watched "The Lesser" with others, how she gives each person undivided attention. How she always made me want to not be so self-absorbed and selfish and impatient.

There are many others, mothers like you, who I watch and I learn how to be a better Mom, a better woman, a better person. We're not all perfect, but there is always something we can learn from or teach one another. So, thank you. Thank you for being yourself and letting me see something I will strive to be along with myself.

Happy Mothers Day!