Happy Mothers Day!

Today is one of my favorite days. Not because I'm a mother and I get all sorts of perks, although that is nice:) Today is a day that I reflect on the amazing women that have had an influence on my life in more ways than I could ever imagine. As some of you may NOT know, I had somewhat of a rough childhood. My own mother struggled with addiction alcohol my entire life. Although that was hard at times, I feel very blessed. I was not neglected..

In fact I think maybe I am the lucky one! I had many mothers to pick up the pieces and care for me... But I want to introduce you to one of them.

This is my Aunt Shelly, playing her ukulele and singing "Somewhere over the Rainbow"..

My Aunt Shelly is my hero. She is the one that instilled in me the very BEST qualities that I acquired. She not only taught me to be a good wholesome person, but she taught me what love feels like. Her and her husband took on a responsibility of a little girl that was in a bad situation and gave her a secure, happy, loving, stable place to call home. They protected me when I needed protection and loved me when I needed love. Looking back at my life now, I do not know where I would have ended up without the example of these two.

And this is a place I call "HOME". My aunt Shelly lives here. This is my castle. This was my resting place... Yesterday I went for a visit. And as I walk through the door I am amazed at the same feelings that come over me. I still get that same secure, loving, happy feeling.. and I feel blessed.

I feel like I owe my Aunt Shelly my life. I absolutely could never express enough gratitude and thanks to her for the amount of love and care she has given me through out my life. So, cheers to one of the best mothers I know. A woman who I never called "Mom" and yet was absolutely the best mother to me. (Also pictured here is my Grandma Lena.)

And now I will introduce you to my other hero. This is my Grandma Toots. She not only showed me an amazing example of loving the Lord, but she has absolutely unconditional LOVE for others. She took care of me during the teenage years, and as I approach these years with my OWN daughter, I am eternal grateful for her patience with me. Happy Mothers Day Grandma, I love you more than words could ever express.

Happy Mothers Day to all the amazing Mothers I know. To my Aunts, my Grandmothers and my Mom. Today I feel blessed to be a mother and I feel blessed by all the mothers that I have had. Thank you to you all.

And lastly I want to thank these kids. They are my life. And I also feel blessed to BE their mother.