5.08.2009

Happy Mother's Day

"Grown don't mean nothing to a mother. A child is a child. They get bigger, older, but grown? What's that supposed to mean? In my heart, it don't mean a thing." ~Toni Morrison, Beloved, 1987

I can hardly believe that it's nearly Mother's Day again. How the time is flying! And since I just returned from an actual, in-person visit with my own mama, I'm feeling so grateful for the her and the way I was raised. She was and is wonderful and I'm so thankful for her. But just like everyone else in this world, I have many other mothers in my life as well.

As I said, I have a fabulous mother and I have a great mother-in-law. I have an aunt who I love dearly and who meant [and still means, even though she passed away] the world to me. I still miss her. I have a daughter and a daughter-in-law who are now mamas themselves, and have become treasured friends of mine.
And I have friends whose lives I fit into as a 'mama' figure in some small ways.

But am I less of a mother because my children are grown? I don't think so. In my heart [just as Toni Morrison said], nothing has changed. They are still my children and I love them, pray for them, worry about them and want nothing but happiness and great blessings for them.

And now, because of these beloved children, I have been given the gift of grandma-hood. What a blessing! No, I am not their mother. I know that. But I am grandma -- and it's a mothering role as well, I think. I love the role -- unconditional loving.

And that's what Mamas are all about, right?!

Happy Mother's Day to all my favorite mamas!

14 comments:

Carrie and Nathan said...

Happy Mother's Day!

Suzanne said...

I agree there are many wonderful "mommas" in our lives. Wishing you a very Happy Mother's Day!

hoLLy said...

i hope you have a wonderful mother's day! you are definitely an awesome mom and grandma-your family is so blessed to have you!

SweetmamaK said...

I just love your posts! Thanks for all of them.

Ashley said...

happy mother's day! you're wonderful!

Emily said...

You're such an amazing woman. I know I've told you before, but you have always been a 'mom' figure for me. You've done so much for me and taught me so much. Hope you have a wonderful weekend! Know you are loved oh-so-much!!

Unknown said...

happy mother's day to MY favorite mama!

jaacs said...

Although I haven't seen you in person in years, through your blog and the example that you have been...you are, indeed, a mothering influence in my life.

Happy Mother's Day!!

Chris and Tara Mason said...

Happy Mother's Day! :)

Jennifer said...

Thanks for that quote! It really touched my heart. It is nice to be reminded that when my kids are "grown", I will still be their mom. Happy Mother's Day!

Maren said...

What a cute post. Love the Toni Morrison thought too. How true it is. My mom keeps mothering me, even if I think I don't need it. I do, and always will. Hope you had a fabulous day yesterday! :)

Grandma and Grandpa said...

Jan, I hope your mothers day was great. There is nothing like being a mom--except for being Grandma. Isn't it great to be blessed twice? I sure miss you and your family.

Mia said...

I hope you had a wonderful Mother's Day Jan!

Jacqueline said...

Happy Mother's Day! You have so many wonderful quotes and thoughts. I missed reading them, but we are back on-line with a new computer! YEAH!