My Other Mothers

We live over 300 miles apart, but my mother is always with me. Looking back at me in the mirror, I see her easy smile and caring eyes. When my daughter says, “That’s not fair,” I hear my mother’s voice say, “Life’s not fair.” Sitting on the floor playing Monster Trucks with Ford, I remember the endless games of Candyland and Uno Mama played. And when I wrap my arms around my children and smother them with kisses for the 1,000^th time that day, I feel her unconditional love engulfing us all. Every day, every decision, every special mothering moment, she is with me.

Today, I realize that she is not the only mother who is a constant part of my life. As I move throughout my day, I catch little glimpses of all my “other mothers.” These beautiful, strong women who have taught me many lessons and have helped shape me into the mother I am today.

Vacuuming the living room, I think of Mary Giltnane. Angi, Levi and Jena’s mom loved completing this chore… at the butt crack of dawn! She merrily zipped around the house while we all tried to sleep in after being up all night playing “Light as a Feather” or whatever.

Cleaning the kitchen takes me back to the Griffith’s house. One night after dinner, Judy reminded Kara it was her turn to load the dishwasher. As any teenager would do, Kara protested, claiming it was unfair since she had a friend over. Judy remained calm, but was insistent that Kara be responsible.

Sweeping, I recall Mrs. Horton chasing me out of her yard with a broom when I stuck my tongue out at Diana. No one would mess with her baby!

When I put on lotion, I make sure to rub plenty onto my elbows. Sharon Benton taught Nikki that soft skin was an essential part of any beauty regime.

Cleaning the playroom, I remember being in awe of Kelly McLemore’s mom. How did she not kill us after that pillow fight that left her room covered with a million feathers?

Watching my neighbor’s teenage daughter begin to drive, I can hear Tamara Mason’s mom saying, “Be careful, so and so had a wreck on that road,” no matter what road we were going on.

On a bright, sunny day, I remember walking beside Carla pushing Scotty in the stroller on our way to pick up Suzi from school. Next to her I felt safe, comfortable and just as loved as I did next to my own mother.

Now I wonder, what memories are Alice and Ford’s friends going to have of me? Hopefully not chasing them out of the yard with a broom! :0)

Happy Mother’s Day to my beautiful, strong, generous, incredibly loving mother, Alice!

And to all my Other Mothers, I love you, too!