las madres.

Today, Mother's Day, is the one day every year that our country honors the women who raise us. They gave us life, changed countless dirty diapers, dried thousands of tears, and encouraged us as we experienced the journey of life. It is the mothers who often support their children even in the midst of great adversity. Some mothers even raise their families on their own - no financial, emotional, or physical help from others.

Even those who did not physically birth a child but support, love on, and pray for their "adopted" kids. I can think of many women who have supported me and given a listening ear, great advice, and a shoulder to cry on throughout my 23 years: Karen Nyland, Sally Bishop, my aunts, Rhonda Lacy, Emmy Jenkins, the teachers I have had, Gabi, Kay Giesecke, Julie Dearien, Debby Armerding. All of these women, at different points in my life, have encouraged and loved me without judgement or question. I know for a fact that they have prayed for my wellbeing, decisions, and relationship with God. How wonderful it is to know that there are so many women, strong and faithful, that pray for me and think about me and encourage me on a regular basis. I am truly one lucky girl.

After church, my Sunday school group always goes out to lunch. Today was a little different as many in the group have mothers and grandmothers living nearby. So, today was family time for them. Well, my mom does not live close to me and my grandmother who does was out of town. So, I gathered up the others who were motherless (so to speak...) and we did our own thing. At lunch, as I was looking around the restaurant at all the moms, how special Mother's Day and Father's Day are. There are so many different kinds of mothers and they all have their own, unique methods of raising their families. Some methods are better than others but all these women try to do they best they can with what they have to offer (we hope...). How wonderful that we take one day out of the year to celebrate and return the love and honor to the women in our lives. How wonderful that we take one day to collectively praise the work our mothers have done. On this day, strangers tell each other "happy mother's day" and acknowledge the time, effort, and sacrifice that goes into such a role. How great is that.

xoxo,
ac.