To my Mama, and my Mama figures in my life, this one’s for you, happy Mother’s Day!
To My Mama: Without a doubt, I am who I am today, because of you. There is not a craft, or an activity, that you did not do with me when I was younger. You were the one who taught me how to braid my own hair, inadvertently volunteering myself to braid hundred of cousins, friends, and teammates hair, and eventually, my own daughters hair. Thank you for being an amazing role model in my life, and everything you do for all of us. I got it from my mama is right, her spirit, her drive, her beauty, her projects, her independence, and her strength.
The safest I have ever felt in my life, was on January 6th, 2023, when I pulled in the garage, and I saw you close the garage door behind me. That moment is frozen in my memory, and even though the next month would be the hardest month of my life, I made it thru because of the love, support, and guidance you gave me. You are my home, you are my safety, and you have been my absolute rock this year. You are the best grandma the girls could ever ask for, and I would not be the mama I am, without a great example like you.
And to the strong mama figures in my life. I don’t like asking for help. I don’t mind talking about my problems or opening up, but too often I overthink what I need, instead of just asking it outright. With you all, you have, and continue, to give me what I need each and every day. So thank you, if you stop reading here, just know I would not be where I am, or doing as okay as I am, without you taking care of me.
Maggie: When my world turned upside down, you looked at me and said “I’m your daddy now”. In less than 12 hours, we re-branded my entire business, and sat there as we made a plan for the future. Even though I am the taller friend, I look up to you so much, and you have taken care of me more than I deserve. From 27 sleepovers so far this year, to helping change countless diapers, to putting me in my place when everyone else is a little too worried about my fragility to, I love you, and thank you for taking care of me.
Jen Kramer: You have always been a mother figure to me, since sophomore year of college. Thank you for pushing me to be the best version of me I can, and thank you for always giving the most healing and protective hugs. & thank you for always being a call away, and saying “just talk it out” and letting me take up 15 minutes of your day.
Kaylee: Thank you for literally always being a phone call away, which usually results in one of us showing up at the other’s place. We have logged so many miles/hours of therapeutic time at the gym, and on the trails (sorry about all the ticks). You are so compassionate and caring, and you are one of the safest spaces for me to speak, and be heard. I love you girl, and we are in this together.
Kimmie: I am so lucky to have a cousin who lives so close, or at least make a 30 minute drive feel so close. Thank you for being that level voice to calm me down when I need it. I am so excited to stand by you on your big day, and continue defeating every team we play in kickball. Thank you for being a rock in my life, and the girls as well.
Jehnah and Nomin: Thank you for taking care of me when I needed it the most. And for all the walks, talks, and phone calls this year. Plus, when the both of you get fired up, it is truly a healthy vent session.
Josie, Cassie, Alix, and Sammi: Even though I’m supposed to be the big sister, you all have taken care of me more than I can even imagine. My daughters and I literally adore you, and the biggest plus side of living back with my parents is that you are down the road. Thank you for being the best aunties to the girls, and for all the hours of babysitting you have put in so far. & thank you for taking care of me in more ways I can count.
Frida: When other people would tell me it’s going to be okay, you grabbed me and said “We don’t need him, you just cry it out, cry it out girl”. Your hugs are a very safe space, and thank you for always being up for an adventure with me, whether it’s that logical or not.
Meghan, Kenzie, Becca, Madi, and Michelle: To the group of friends I met from the internet in 2020, I cannot express how protected I feel by you all. From foot detox baths, to flower arranging classes, to nights in that turn to boudoir photos and then Sneaky Petes, thank you for giving me nights of escape when I have had nothing to look forward to.
Leah: It has been so nice living so close to you and the babies these past 4 months. 4 under 3, what a time! Thank you for being my bestie for 26 years, and for doing life with me. Also, thank you for letting me take over your entire basement with all of my things.. I promise to get that out of there soon. It is an honor to be your babies God Mother, and thank you for taking care of me these past couple of months.
Jayme, Jackie, Marina, Cami, Ashley, Leeah, Alanah, Kylee, Cass, Morgan, Alexa, Bryanna, Danielle, Jena, Bekki, Jess, Blanca, Isis, Michelle, Courtney PLUS all of my Aunts and Cousins: I could go on and on about the amazing support system I have in my life. Thank you for continuing to check in on me, support me, and send all of your love. I have never felt more taken care of in my life, and everyone previously mentioned had a large part in that.
Lastly…
To Mettelynn and Mayzie Grace: The absolute biggest joy/honor/privilege of my life is being your mama. I do not need presents on this day, because you both are the biggest gift I have ever received. I have always wanted to be a mama, and you both made my dreams come true. I also always wanted a sister, so to watch the two of you’s relationship grow brings my heart so much happiness. You give me a reason, you give me a purpose, and even when you don’t let me get sleep, you are still the best thing that has ever happened to me. I love being your mama, I love our adventures to the gym and the pool and the store. Mettelynn, I love that you grab my face with your two little hands and randomly say “I love you too”, and Mayzie, I love when you are in a babbling fit and then look me dead in the eye and SCREAM “I LOVE YOU I LOVE YOU I LOVE YOU”.
I know I am doing something right, because the amount of times the 3 of us tell each other how much we love each other, means that that is the life I am giving you.
SOO to the mamas, and mama figures in my life, even if you don’t have presents and flowers on this day, you are a gift to me, and I wouldn’t be where I am without you. Thank you for growing me in to the mama I am.
Happy Mamas Day <3
Miranda