My mother taught me survival. Despite an unplanned pregnancy, an unfinished education, and a child that died at age 1; despite polio that made her fight for her life--a life confined to a wheelchair; despite a husband who drank too much, a son who was a psychopath and a struggling family with 7 kids . . . She was a survivor.
My aunt taught me how to love and nurture. While she never was allowed to keep me, she loved me unconditionally.
Martilde taught me how to love people to Jesus. She introduced me to Jesus in a deeper way. While I was a handful, she let me share life with her. She was the hand and feet of Jesus for me.
Joy taught me how to see the best in people. Her home was always open, and she has influenced many people with her contagious laughter and her joy in people.
Judi showed me how to trust Jesus and praise him in times of deepest despair.
Helen, my mother-in-law was gracious, loving, and accepting of this German girl. She taught me to love Jim in deeper ways.
Judy (of course you are not old enough to be my mom!) has been the best sister-in-law I could have imagined. She knows the right thing to say at just the right time, and she is an amazing listener and counselor. She taught me to enjoy life to the fullest.
There have been many other women in my life that have shown me ways to live right, to love God more, to take responsibility, to have fun, and to enjoy life. I have been fortunate enough to have been surrounded by women from whom I can learn.
Happy Mother's Day to all the women that have influenced my life, you are a blessing to me.