It was a gathering of moms at our place today. All great women that mother many. Some old moms (not age wise but experience wise), some still in the youth of it all, trying to parent the best way they know how and one just merely an observer at this point, trying to absorb all the mommy ways before they even begin.
My mother-in-law, Elaine, is a treasure in my life. In her, I have a wonderful friend and supporter. She is constantly full of praise for the life that her son and I share and I feel so incredibly blessed to share my children with her. She giggles easily and seems to light up those around her. My children adore her and she sees only angelic qualities in them, a trait that grandmas aquire once their own children are grown. For her, I can see that being a grandma means the absolute world to her, it is what fills her up and then some. She basked in the warmth of family in her son's home with her grandchildren around stealing sausages from her plate.
Judy, my dad's wife. While she is not blood to kids, you would not believe it. She listens to me talk about my challenges with mothering with an attentive ear like no other. She never challenges me or debates but listens, praises and offers subtle advice. I appreciate her shoulder and can see the love for the children in her. She thinks of them at all times, bringing suppers, driving Ty, even volunteering in his classroom. For me, the mother that cannot, knowing she is there to deliver him to kindergarten and then step into his little classroom, means more than I can express. She is grandma through and through.
Tammy is my sister in-law with 2 kids each a year older than Mags and Ty. The cousins are like siblings, tattling at times and best of pals the next. Tammy and I are totally comfortable with each other, like old friends or sisters. We spent the afternoon swapping clothes for the kids, and advice about how to make life slow down just a wee bit. Her children are examples of the mother she is and I couldn't be more proud of my niece and nephew. Macy dotes on my little Sades as if she were a living doll and little easton could easily be Ty's best bud, who could ask for me.
My wee sis is 6 weeks away from becoming a mother herself. Katie may be the person on this planet that knows me the absolute best. Our relationship is NEVER strained, we talk daily, probably twice most days. Sometimes one of us is grumpy, sometimes both but never do we fight. I pick her up when she needs it and I know she does more than her fair share of listening to her older sister talk about the chaos that exists in my home some days, actually all days. She never judges and always listens, not like some people listen but don't care but like she wants to know every last detail. Besides sharing every detail of my life with her, I have shared a loss and I have more than shared my children with her. She is the Auntie who was there when they entered this world and she has never left their side. She will be the absolute best mommy. She will be full of love like I cannot imagine, gentle and adoring. I cannot wait to see her in this role. I can't wait to return the debtload of favors and babysitting I owe her. Mommyhood already looks so good on my dear sister. 6 weeks and counting!
There were 3 moms missing today and although we didn't all sit and talk about it, I know we each held our memories a little closer to the heart today. My mom, Judy's mom and Elaine's mom are all passed away and I know we each thought about them a few extra times. "Wouldn't it be nice if they were here? Oh, I wish they could see this or that." Old moms or young moms, whether they were taken quickly or slowly, unexpected or expected, they are our moms and it still aches but it seems a little more acute today. I know I shed a few tears today, emotion seemed to be right on the surface. Moms are the center of our worlds and today I hope you all revelled in that much deserved celebration.
Mollie, what a beautiful tribute and toast to mothers. Thank you for a wonderful celebration yesterday. You are so right, words weren't spoken but the feelings were there. It's hard not to have your mom but,life moves forward and with it we anticipate Katie's little one.
Mollie don't ever forget the awesome mother that you are. I lift my glass and propose a toast to you. You are so special.
Judy
Posted by: Dennis and Judy Giesbrecht | May 10, 2010 at 09:50 PM