Daniel and I are blessed with three wonderful women to call Mother and Grandmother - my Mom, my mother-in-law, and my Granny. These three ladies made us who we are and continue to support and love us to this day. We're beyond grateful, so would like to take a minute to reflect on the joy they've brought into our lives.
I was blessed with a Mom who is intelligent, strong, kind, patient, and beautiful. I could not be where I am today without her love, support, and imparted knowledge.
My mom was only 21 when she had me. Now that I'm 37, that seems very young to take on the huge responsibility of raising any child (especially me). I'm so lucky that my mom was such a wonderfully devoted Mother and wife despite her young age and the struggles I'm sure she had as a young mother.
I am lucky enough to have some of my mothers strength and intelligence. I am still working on the patient and kind part every day.
I'm so fortunate to have Joanna as my mother-in-law. I've learned so much from her strength, will, and character. I love seeing Ammi and her mom interact - sometimes it's so easy, other times not so much, as you might expect from two determined, caring, and strong women. Even in those times, there's something to be learned about patience, family, and love that is inspirational.
What can I possibly say to relate how much my mom means to me. Taking on me as a new baby with three teenagers in the house had to be a special sort of challenge, one I'm so grateful my parents chose to do. She has continually encouraged me to be my best, showing me how to be an artist, a musician, and so much more.
Betty Carter is an amazing woman. She raised 4 wonderful children and has beau-coup of grand-kids and even great grand-kids. She's a kind and generous matriarch. I'm so lucky that she had 3 kids to practice on before Daniel, I think it helped make him perfect (no offence Jeff, Rick, and Mindy we all have our favorites).
On top of being a mother of 4, Betty is also a published author and I absolutely loved reading her books before I was part of the family.
My Granny is a devoted Christian - her faith brings her happiness and comfort and she's always been wonderful enough to share that comfort and happiness with her family.
My Granny was one of my favorite people growing up, as Granny's tend to be. We always had a blast playing. Now watching my Mom with her granddaughter reminds me of all the fun my Granny and I had.
Granny and I have some of the same type health struggles and she's had them since she was my age, so when I'm discouraged because of pain, discomfort, or multi doctors visits, I can be reminded that my wonderful Granny is still living a fulfilling life enjoying family, friends, and the love of her life (my Pa) and that my struggles are surmountable. I'm so lucky to have an example in my adult life to show me these things, just like I was lucky in my childhood to have a Granny to teach me through love and play.
My life with Ammi has been full of blessings and kindness. The first time I visited with her grandparents was a Thanksgiving. Her entire family invited me into their homes and made me feel like I belong. I was so comfortable, even from that first visit, that I accidentally nodded off on the couch, full of ham, stuffing, and pie. There were giggles around the room and while I was pretty embarrassed, it set the stage for a life of welcoming family comfort. I'll forever look back on that embarrassing nap as an important moment in my life and be grateful for Martha and her reaction.
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