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Moms all around me

I'm thinking about the moms in my life on this Mother's Day. First, of course, I remember the mom who raised me to be the person I am today, the one I look and sound more like with each passing day. Not a day goes by that I don't wish I could call her on the phone. I imagine today what she would be like as a grandmother, and I smile.

I think, too, of her mom, my own grandmother, the woman who spoiled me with frilly dresses and girlie gifts as a child, who traveled the country ringing a bell in the stands at my basketball games. She has stood tall by my side through happy and sad times as an adult and I'm so blessed to be standing by her side through next chapter of her fabulous life.

I think of my husband's mom, as well, the woman who raised the most amazing man I've ever known. She has taken me into her family without hesitation, with an open heart, and loves me as her own daughter.

I think of the moms who have filled in the gaps for me, the women who have lifted me up and carried me through uncertain times when I didn't have my own mom to do so. They have advised me and loved me when I've needed it most. Some of these women were part of my life for only a short time, but they affected me deeply; others remain crucial still today.

I think of my friends who are moms to little ones, women to whom I look to for advice in my own motherhood journey. These are the moms I laugh with or worry with, the ones who say, "hey, don't sweat it," or "maybe you should try this instead." I would be lost without these moms. Truly.

And I think of the friends who are not moms to their own children but who sometimes fill the space in my heart where a mom might dwell. I turn to these women to help me think through life's problems or to celebrate life's joys. They love my family as their own. They keep me balanced and grounded.

Happy Mother's Day to all the moms in my life. Thank you for enriching my world. I am so fortunate and grateful for each and every one of you.

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