As we approach Mother's Day I want to take a moment to honor mine.  Right now she is in another state with my daughter (who went to be her company and helper) and the fact that I have allowed her to have my daughter in another state could say it all

My mother was devoted to motherhood--her own and others.  She was a La Leche League leader in the 70's and I grew up at her knee. She introduced me to natural living and natural eating and laughs at me because I've so far surpassed the lengths gone to by the woman I used to call "Granola".

When I was a young adult she represented all that I knew was expected of me and I shut her out because her presence was convicting even when she said nothing.  Then I got a little older and realized it would have been so much better if I'd listened to what she didn't say.

As a young mother she became my mama bear so that I could become my son's. Then she sat behind me and held me while I labored to bring my daughter into the world at my mother's dream home water birth.

My third was born and she was there--watching then helping.  Both grandmother and mother.

My twins were born and she met me at the ER where I was being treated for double mastitis and I was crying in full blown PPD and moved my entire family into her home for a month.  She was there--as she'd been for me in my infancy she was there for my babies and me.  Round the clock--as we pumped and fed and put my preemies to the breast she supported me until I was ready to stand on my own and walk.  I think it was duirng that month that any wounds I had from my own childhood healed in my rebirth under her care.

And now she is my best friend.  My confidant, my cheerleader, my helper, my fan . . . and I am all that for her.

I love my mother.  We have a good, honest, loving relationship.  Someday this is what I want with my own children.  Now that I've experienced it with her I think I've got a much better hope for that.