Me, my siblings, aunt (third from the right) and mom (fourth from the right)
Yesterday, I went to the graduation party of a college friends’ mom. She received her Bachelor’s degree.
During her thank you speech, she spoke about the sacrifices she made to raiser her family. She also spoke about the challenges she encountered having my friend as a teenage mom.
As I sat there, just days after Mother’s Day, I couldn’t help but be thankful for both my mom and my aunt.
Happy Mother’s Day to My Aunt
Today, I am grateful for my aunt who sacrificed her youth to raise me and my four siblings when nobody else wanted us. She believed that we would be better off together than separated in foster homes.
For caring and loving us when many people didn’t understand why she was doing it if she wasn’t getting paid. For teaching us that we can do anything we put our minds to. For doing right by us and showing that every child, regardless of their story, deserves love. But, most importantly, giving us something to believe in, ourselves.
The journey wasn’t always easy and we definitely weren’t always the most respectful. Or grateful for that matter.
But.
She always made her job seem easy. I mean, she worked a full-time job, maintained a clean house, cooked meal for all of us. And she always had a side-hustle doing hair on the side while making sure we pass our spelling tests. I still don’t know how she did it, but I’m happy that she did.
Happy Mother’s Day to My Mom
And this Mother’s Day, I will always be grateful for my mom. She made a difficult decision; she gave birth to me when nobody else thought it was a good idea. She loved me and my siblings enough to set aside her pride. And she allowed someone else to raise us when she was unable to do it.
Though out my teenage years, she became an ear and shoulder to lean on when I was in high school. She supported me in everything I embarked on. I loved (and still do) that she goes out of her way to spend time with me. Sometimes it’s just to buy under garments. I love and appreciate that so much…especially today.
So, regardless of who raised you, I hope you make time to wish them a Happy Mother’s Day. And if you’re feeling brave, let me know what you’re most grateful for in the comments below.
