. . . to my own sweet momma, who taught me what it means to mother . . . to my precious grandmothers who have poured unconditional love over every moment of my life . . . to my wonderful mother-in-law who raised an amazing man and who has been so kind to me . . . to all of the women who have “mothered” me for my entire life,  aunts, aunts-in-law, grandmothers-in-law, teachers, mentors, friends . . . to my high school and college friends whom I’ve had the great blessing to watch become mothers . . . to all my “mommy” friends, sisters-in-law, and Bible study partners.

I could never be a good mother without all of you.  You have shown me what it means to love, to sacrifice, and to pray for my children, to say “I’m sorry,” take a deep breath, and start over in the morning, to keep giving and keep going, when it feels like there’s nothing left.  I can make one more peanut butter sandwich, clean up vomit in the middle of the night, and read one more story because I know you’ve done it too.  I know with every tear, every smile, every laugh, you’re right there too, enjoying the amazing, challenging, and bountiful blessing it is to be . . . MOM.

Your encouragement, your wisdom, and your faith inspire me.  Happy Mother’s Day!