As yesterday was Mother’s Day here in the US, I wanted to give a little shout out to all the women who made me who I am today. Because, as the saying goes, it takes a village to raise a child.
My relationship with my actual mother was fractious at times. We often didn’t see eye to eye and that caused a good deal of misunderstanding and hurt. But it wasn’t all bad. She taught me that there are bad things in the world but that we should fight to fix them. Whether intentional or not, she gave me a framework for understanding and connecting to children. She inspired my love for classical music and Broadway musicals.
My next mother figure was Bev. She was a close friend of my mom’s and when I got dragged along on their social engagements, Bev pulled me into their adult time. My mom always jokingly complained that I’d stolen her best friend. But Bev taught me how to make greeting cards. She showed me that even as you get older that doesn’t mean you have to get uptight and stuffy. She made me feel like my opinion was worthy, even when I was six years old.
Sonja was the director of a children’s theater program I was involved in. She showed me that I had a voice and how to make it heard.
Nancy taught me how to be kind, most especially to myself. She showed me that even the smallest of touches can be comforting. And she conditioned me to enjoy hugs.
Donna proved that you can be a badass, powerful woman and still be tender and gentle. She taught me that if you want something badly enough, you can achieve it if you work hard enough. She believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself. And she literally saved my life on several occasions.
What they all taught me was that family means more than blood and genetics. The people you choose to surround yourself with are just as important and just as valid as the ones you were born with. And no matter how old you get or how your life changes, you can always add to your family.
So, to all my mothers, thank you. I wouldn’t have made it to where I am without you and life would certainly be less interesting. I am a product of a cadre of amazing women who gave something of themselves to me and I will be forever grateful to them.
Happy Mother’s Day!
KT Byrde Writes 