the gift of motherhood

'In raising children I have lost my mind, but found my soul.' ~ Lisa T. Shepherd

'I see who I want to be, in my daughter's eyes.' ~ Martina McBride

'A mother understands what a child doesn't say.' ~ Jewish Proverb

Last night I carried 4 year old Will up the stairs to bed, he had fallen asleep on our family room floor. He has been doing that fairly frequently lately as he's kind of in that stage of giving up his nap, and he's pretty tired after dinner time. As I carried him up the stairs and smelled his hair and sweet little boy scent, I thought to myself that I've been carrying my sleeping young children up to bed for a long time...I've been a mom for 25 years. That's half my life.

The above 3 quotes spoke to me, in fact I could have written them myself, as they describe my feelings so well. I became a mom for the first time in my mid 20's and in many ways feel like I grew up with my oldest son. This second chance of motherhood which started in my 40's has certainly been one of my greatest gifts. With maturity also comes some wisdom, or at least for me it did. I found out what was important to me and really who I am as a person, through my young children.

The best advice about being a mother and a parent came from my own mom. My mom had 4 children in 5 and a half years, and what she taught me was, "Don't sweat the small stuff and have fun." And whether it's raising a toddler, a teenager or communicating with my 25 year old son, I have taken that advice to heart. It doesn't matter if my house is a mess, my children's clothes match perfectly or I cook nutritionally perfect meals for dinner every single night. What does matter is that they are learning to be good, giving and kind people and that they are loved unconditionally and always.

Happy Mother's Day to you and your's, whether you are a mom, are waiting for your child and will be a mom, or still have a mom in your life. Cherish them always!