Happy Mother's Day!

I wanted to take a moment to say Happy Mother’s Day to the women in my life who I am blessed to call “Mom” in some capacity. I have been blessed to have “moms” beyond the wonderful woman who gave birth to me. All of these women have invested in me and poured into my life in ways I cannot begin to explain.

Becoming a mother myself has revealed to me so much of the love, sacrifice, service and commitment these women have given to me. It is a beautiful and amazing gift that every year I grow a deeper and deeper gratitude to have received. Motherhood is not for the faint of heart and these women have handled the job with incredible grace, patience, selflessness and love.

To my mom, Donna.

I love you so much. Thank you for teaching me so much about being a good mom. Thank you for your countless sacrifices and your endless commitment. You have done so much with far too little appreciation. Thank you for the selflessness you have shown us (your 4) and now my little family as well. You are always willing to give and give and give and you do it with such a joyful heart. Today I want you to know how much I appreciate and love you. Your unconditional love and support mean the world to me.

To my step mom, Lisa.

You have been an amazing blessing to our family. You have truly made my life and our family more beautiful simply by being a part of them. I am so grateful for you and your warm, caring, genuine and loving heart. I pray that today you know just how cherished you are.

To my mother in law, Kaye.

I could not have dreamed of gaining a better mother in law when I got married than I have gained in you. You are the most encouraging, supportive, invested and caring woman. Thank you for your words of wisdom and endless acts of service. Thank you for being mama to the man I call my husband and for raising him to be the most amazing person I know. Your investment into his life is truly the greatest gift to me.

To my other honorary moms, you know who you are.

Thank you for loving and investing in me. Thank you for taking me in as your own. Thank you for giving of yourselves beyond your own children. Giving to and loving a child that is not your own is not something everyone does. Being a mom to the children in your own family is a big big job and a lot of times there just isn’t time or energy left to give more to anyone else. You all went beyond your exhaustion and loved me anyway. Thank you.

To all of you other mamas out there.

Congratulations on having the toughest job in the world! You are amazing, strong and beautiful. Your children are blessed to have you.

To those of you that Mother’s Day brings some level of pain or grief.

My heart is with you. I pray The Lord gives you comfort and peace today. I pray that you know and feel His love more abundantly than you ever have.

Finally, to all of the birth moms out there.

You have made the most selfless and loving decision for your child. Though you may not hold that child today, you are an amazing mother. Your strength and love is something I am in awe of. Today I honor you and pray that I can love my children as fiercely as you have loved yours. You are beautiful and cherished and loved.

Happy Mother’s Day.

Also, mom, thank you for this.