'Everything you do is amazing!'
'Everything you do is amazing!'
The seventh one
As Mother’s Day approaches, I am privileged to honor not one, but four remarkable women who have each brought their own unique touch to my world.
From my mother, who first cradled me in her arms, to my two grandmothers whose nurturing embrace provided me with a sense of security and belonging, and finally to my cherished mother-in-law, whose presence in my life is a testament to the bonds of family and love.
Each of these incredible women brings a unique hue to the canvas of my existence, painting a portrait of maternal love that knows no bounds. In this tribute, I invite you to join me as I celebrate the essence of motherhood embodied by these four extraordinary individuals, whose love transcends bloodlines and resonates with the timeless beauty of unconditional love.
Let’s get into it!
Shelley: At the forefront of this maternal symphony is my own mother, whose influence has not only shaped who I am today but continues to leave an indelible impression on my soul. Her love, guidance, and unwavering belief in me have been the cornerstone of my existence, laying the foundation for the person I am becoming.
One particular memory stands out vividly in my mind, a testament to my mother's unwavering generosity and compassion. In our small apartment in South Los Angeles, where space was a precious commodity, my mother opened her heart and her home to those in need without a moment's hesitation. I recall countless instances where she welcomed strangers into our midst, offering them a place to stay, a warm meal, and a listening ear.
But perhaps the most poignant example of her selflessness was when she gave up her own bedroom for a woman who stayed with us for several months. I remember feeling a mix of confusion and frustration as my mother rearranged our living space to accommodate our guests, sacrificing her own comfort for the sake of someone in need. In a world where self-preservation often takes precedence, my mother's act of kindness was a beacon of light, a reminder of the power of empathy and compassion.
As I reflect on those moments now, I realize how much I've come to admire and appreciate my mother's giving heart. Growing up, I'll admit, I didn't always understand or appreciate her willingness to put others before herself. In my adolescent years, I often found myself at odds with her selflessness, preferring to keep to myself rather than extend a hand of kindness to others.
Looking back, I realize that my resistance stemmed not from a place of disdain, but from a sense of insecurity and uncertainty about my own place in the world. In those moments, my mother's warmth and kindness served as a stark contrast to my own perceived shortcomings, highlighting the stark difference between who I was and who I aspired to be.
Yet, as the years have passed and I've embarked on my own journey of self-discovery, I've come to realize that the qualities I once resisted in my mother are the very ones I now strive to emulate. Her selflessness, her compassion for others, her unwavering commitment to making the world a better place – these are the traits that I now see reflected in myself more and more each day.
Margaret: In the mosaic of my childhood memories, one figure shines brightly, illuminating the canvas of my past with her vivacious spirit and boundless love. My paternal grandmother, a beacon of joy and laughter, left an indelible mark on my heart that continues to resonate with warmth and fondness.
From the earliest days of my youth, my grandmother was a constant presence in my life. I can still feel the excitement of our trips to Oakland to see her. Eight hours in the car felt like forever, but it was worth it for those summer days with her. We'd do all sorts of fun stuff—kite festivals, amazing food, movie nights—and I loved watching her sort through her collection of dolls.
She was also a proud Avon lady! I recall accompanying her to Avon conferences, where I would marvel at the dazzling array of makeup and skincare products, eagerly sampling the latest offerings and reveling in the excitement of it all. My sisters and I would leave her place with boxes of products sometimes—I even tried to be a little Avon sales rep in my middle school for a short while.
Beyond that, what I remember most about my grandmother is her unwavering acceptance and encouragement of who I was. In her presence, I felt free to be myself, to embrace my sassy, sarcastic side without fear of judgment or reproach. She nurtured my individuality, celebrating the quirks and eccentricities that made me who I am.
Though she may no longer be with us in body, my grandmother's spirit lives on in the cherished memories we shared and the lessons she imparted. Her zest for life, her unwavering love, and her acceptance of others continue to inspire me to this day, serving as a reminder to embrace each moment with joy and gratitude.
Tamara: In the tapestry of my childhood, there exists a vibrant thread woven with the boundless creativity and warmth of my maternal grandmother. A beacon of joy and ingenuity, she brought a sense of magic and wonder into our lives that continues to resonate with fondness and admiration.
During her time living with us, my grandmother's creative spirit illuminated our home, infusing every moment with a sense of excitement and possibility. I recall with vivid clarity the day she and my mother orchestrated a puppet show for the entire neighborhood in celebration of my brother's birthday. It was a spectacle to behold, a testament to their ingenuity and love, as they brought to life a cast of characters that captivated our imaginations and hearts.
One of the most memorable displays of my grandmother's creativity was the Christmas she transformed our childhood bedrooms into enchanted wonderlands, each corner adorned with twinkling lights, handmade decorations, and a sense of wonder that filled the air with anticipation and delight. It was a magical experience, one that remains etched in my memory as a testament to her boundless imagination and love for her family.
As I reflect on my grandmother's influence on my life, I see echoes of her creativity and warmth reflected in both my mother and myself. Her legacy lives on in the traditions we hold dear, the memories we cherish, and the values we pass down from generation to generation.
Julietta: Now, let me introduce you to my newest mom, my mother-in-law, Julietta. This woman deserves all the praise, especially considering she raised the man who became my perfect match. I first met Julietta in 2016 when her son and I started dating. And when she and my mom met, my mom described her as having such a light and welcoming spirit. I describe her as an illuminator, someone who brings a sense of buoyancy to the weary.
In a world where mother-in-law relationships are often portrayed as toxic or overbearing, I consider myself incredibly fortunate not to have experienced that with Julietta. Like her son, she exudes kindness, warmth, and care. It truly feels like a blessing to have her as an additional mom—someone who not only helps me navigate life's challenges but also offers insights into her son's quirks and idiosyncrasies.
Our relationship is quite unique. Here is a woman who knows everything about the man I've committed my life to, and I have the privilege of having her in my corner. When our daughter was born, I couldn't help but notice how much she resembled Julietta. Even now, as she approaches her second birthday, the resemblance between them is striking. I've even taken to calling her "little Julie," a testament to the bond they share and the love that flows between them.
Julietta's presence in our lives is a constant source of joy and comfort, and I am endlessly grateful for the role she plays in our family. To have her as not just a mother-in-law, but as a cherished member of our inner circle, is a gift beyond measure.
To the remarkable women who have left an indelible mark on my life with their boundless love, wisdom, and grace, I express my deepest gratitude and admiration.
💕 Mom, your endless generosity and unwavering support have been the cornerstone of my existence, guiding me through life's challenges with love and compassion.
💕 Grandma Margaret, your vivacious spirit and boundless love illuminated my childhood, filling our days with joy, laughter, and unforgettable memories.
💕 Grandma Tamara, your creativity and warmth brought a sense of wonder and excitement into our home, infusing each day with love and imagination something I will forever cherish.
💕 And Julietta, my dear mother-in-law, your lightness of spirit and unwavering kindness have enriched our lives in ways beyond measure.
Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers who brighten our world with their presence and love.
—you’ll notice I use the word ‘so’ quite often. you’ll also most likely notice bad grammar and the overuse of commas and punctuation in my writing—so yea