Mothers – you know who you are… Or do you?

Are you a mother? I am and proud of it! Maybe you are too and don’t realize it.

After all, what really makes someone a mother?

Having a child doesn’t make you a mother. Caring for and about a child does.

Motherhood is a long journey. It begins with the want of a child. I think those who are walking down the rocky road of conception, only to be disappointed, in a way I can’t comprehend, time after time are mothers of the strongest kind. You have my deepest respect.

And I don't know what to say to mothers who love and cherish their babies in the womb, only to have them taken away before they are placed in their loving arms. You are a mother like no other - experiencing the ultimate pain of motherhood.

For some mothers, the journey begins before even the want. Thank you to all the unwed mothers, teens and others who for one reason or another felt unable to care for a child and yet chose to give that child life. (I always struggle with the phrase “chose to give a child life” – I’ll never understand how letting a child live can be anyone’s choice… but I digress). Thank you for having the strength and for caring enough to allow someone who is able to love and raise your gift from God the chance to do so.

Thank you to those who adopt babies and raise them as their own. And thank you to all who watch over our children – foster parents, teachers, social workers, day care providers, and the neighborhood lady keeping an eye open for latchkey kids – you are mothers.

How about the single dad? Or the stay at home dad? Or the grandparent(s) raising their grandchildren? You better believe you are mothers.

And to the traditional mother. My hat is off to you! You are a special breed deserving some pampering today. I hope you don’t mind sharing your day. There are an awful lot of people out there that make our role as mother a bit easier. Thank you to each and every person who cares about a child in any way. The world needs you.

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A super cool mother (my Julie) cooked supper for me last night. She made this awesome salad of lettuce, slaw, and cooked deer steak with ranch dressing mixed with BarBQ seasoning and French bread. It was scrumpdilyicious! I don’t know which was better, having someone cook for me or being outside for a change with three of my grandkids to keep me entertained. The hugs and kisses I got are definitely on top of the list of making it a great day.

We walked through the woods to Travis’ special spot. He built a fort out of fallen trees and brush. I’m kind of not too happy about the location because it is close to an old gypsum quarry at the edge of our property. Nobody knows how deep this quarry is. It is off limits and has a barbed wire fence around it… but when has barbed wire ever been known to stop a curious mind? For now the fort stays but chances are real good that it will be relocated this summer. (sorry Travis :(

The fort has all the amenities of home, including shelves. And of course we all know that for guys the world is their bathroom. No shortage of trees to choose from.

Dakota was NOT a happy camper. The path to the fort was lined with spider webs and bugs and ticks.

I thought this little guy was kind of cute, but Dakota strongly disagreed…

Back at the ranch we chilled around the play area. It was just nice to be outside. Austin seems to think big brother is A-OK!

Speaking of watering trees… Austin told us this tree will grow nice and big now.

After a stint in the house, waiting for the bugs and ticks to disappear (like that’s going to happen), Dakota decided to face his fears and come join us again. Wake up Dakota!

Ah, that’s better. A bit fuzzy, but at least he is awake.

Am I crazy? I really think my feet would hurt if I put my shoes on the wrong feet.

Austin is proof that it doesn’t hurt at all!

I love that two front teeth missing smile. I love the color of Dakota’s hair, too. Oh heck, I love everything about my grandkids – each and every one of them!

And long after Julie packed her brats sweet, wonderful, children up and took them home, Jim and I sat on the front porch, me wrapped in a blanket to ward off the chill, and talked about what a wonderful day we had. Thanks Julie and Happy Mother’s Day.

P.S. I’d never think of any of my grandkids as brats… they really are wonderful.