I have been so very blessed in my life when it comes to mothers. I have the best mother any girl could ever want. When I was growing up, I knew that my mother was an authority who needed to be respected and obeyed, but I also knew that she was my friend. From an early age, my mother included me on her girls only weekends and day trips with the ladies. I suppose it was because it was just the two of us in a house full of men, but I always looked at it as our time as friends and not as mother and daughter. I called Mom’s friends by name, and they treated me like one of them. In my teen years,I knew that I could talk to my mother about everything and that somehow she would understand. As a wife and mother, my Mom is my rock, my go-to, my wise sage. I don’t know how I could have gotten this far in life without her.
Add into the mix my wonderful aunts who have always treated me more like a sister than a niece. I still remember going to work with Aunt Pinky on Take Your Daughter To Work Day when I was very little. And I’ll never forget the road trip to the Pennsylvania outlets with Aunt Debbie when I was about 13. On those rare occasions when I needed advice from someone other than my mother, Aunt Debbie was my confidant. Even when she told me things I didn’t want to hear, I valued her opinion and still do. When I was younger, I always knew that if, heaven forbid, something happened to my own mother, I had wonderful aunts who would be the mothers I needed.
Of course, I know that all of those women are the amazing mothers, friends, and women they are because of my most beloved and cherished grandmother. Not a day goes by that I don’t think of her. She was everything a woman should be. She was kind, nurturing, smart, courageous, and spent most of her life taking care of others. I was so blessed to have her in my life for 37 years and for my children to have known her. I still say that when I grow up, I want to be just like Gram.
You would think that I was blessed enough to have my sainted mother, my heroic grandmother, and my remarkable aunts, but no, God continued to bless me with a wonderful Godmother who has always loved me like I am her own daughter. Though we don’t see each other often, I know that she is always there for me, and I can’t wait to see her this summer. And I am further blessed with a mother-in-law upon whom I can always count. We’ve all heard horror stories, and I know some people who have lived them, about dealing with mothers-in-law. Well, let me assure you, the reason everyone else complains about theirs is because I got the best one out there. I know she is always there for me, and I hope she knows I am there for her as well.
So this Sunday, as you honor your mother, I will honor my mother and all of the women in my life who made me the person I am today. Happy Mother’s Day to you all. I love you.
Amy Schisler is an author of mystery and suspense novels. Her first book, A Place to Call Home may be purchased in stores, online, and through ibooks. Her previously published children’s book, Crabbing With Granddad may be purchased in stores and on Amazon.
