Generational Mothers

I come as one, but stand as 10,000.

~Maya Angelou

It's so beautiful and precious to pause and remember all of the strong wonderful women in our lives. The women who have loved us unconditionally and have sacrificed so much for us so that we could thrive and pursue our dreams. These women, whether they be our biological mothers, adoptive mothers, grandmothers, aunts, siblings, mentors, or friends. On this Mother's Day, I celebrate all of the courageous and selfless women who have poured into my life so that I can carry that love and grace forward to the next generation. Just as my girl Maya said, "even though I come as one, I stand as 10,000." I carry a piece of the joy of their legacy into every "room" I am privileged to enter.

Here is a special tribute to a few of the wonderful women who have shaped me into the woman I am today.

To My Beautiful Mother

There are too many things to count that I have grown more and more to appreciate about my mom (and dad, haha! I love you dad!) as I have gotten older. To think about all that my loving parents have endured and sacrificed since day #1 of my life...WOW!! AMAZING!! That type of love is truly breathtaking to even begin to imagine. One thing that I truly appreciate about my mom, is her continual faith in me to do anything that I feel I am called to do. From the time I was a little girl, she ALWAYS inspired confidence in me that there was NO ceiling in life and that ALL things are possible with God. She not only expressed it in words but also with daily actions to support me, pray for me and walk with me through every victory or setback I have experienced. Every day, she takes the front row seat and cheers me on to keep going and shining brightly. I remember when I was in medical school, and I was feeling completely overwhelmed one particular weekend. I talked with my mom and I said that I was fine, even though she could sense that I wasn't. Within minutes my mom had booked a flight from WV to CA and was sitting with me in my apartment by that afternoon. All I can say is that only a mother can love someone that much to do that. I am forever grateful for just who she is and the beautiful blessing she is to me every second of my life. I love you always mom!

To My Beautiful Lizzie (AKA: Abby)

If you knew me while I was growing up, then you knew Lizzie. When my brothers were born, my parents always told me about how many babysitters they went through trying to find the right one. Then Lizzie came into our lives, and has forever remained a precious part of our lives since. Lizzie was never just my babysitter, she was always so much more. I called her my second mom. I also called her Abby and she called me Lucy-to this day I have no idea how we came up with those nicknames lol. Lizzie loved my brothers and I as her own children, and poured into our lives with all her love. Lunches, rides, school events, homework, birthdays, holidays...you name it and Lizzie did it. And it wasn't just my life that was touched by her love, she had so many children and she extended that great love to them all. One thing that I admired about Lizzie, is that she never desired to be in the spot light. She did her heroic acts in private and then made you feel like you were worth a million dollars. Her joyful presence and laughter vibrantly filled every space she entered. I can still hear her laugh!

She always told me whenever I needed her, to just simply "call to the wind and she would hear me." Although Lizzie is now at rest peacefully in Jesus, I no longer have to call to the wind. All I have to do is look within me and I will find her there, where she forever holds a special place in my heart.

To My Beautiful Meme and Grandma

I have so many precious memories of my wonderful grandmothers who both lived in California. Grandmothers are the best aren't they? They love and spoil you like none other! Both of my grandmothers were the definition of selflessness and grace. Even though they have both passed away, their continual love lives on and faithful prayers are still being answered in my life.

My favorite memory of my Meme was when she would let me brush her long beautiful hair and hold my dolls as if they were real. Even though she was confined to a wheelchair for the latter part of her life after a stroke, she never ever complained.

My favorite memory of my grandma was when she would let my cousins and I jump into her big comfy bed with her whenever I would come to visit. Grandma always had a secret stash of ice cream for her grandkids and for herself lol.

Every birthday and graduation, I always received a beautiful card from my grandmothers despite the distance between us. The best times of my life were shared in their homes surrounded with family, love and joy. My forever gratitude and love to both of my grandmothers for their sacrifice and life legacy that I will always cherish.

On this Mother's day and every day let us remember to honor and celebrate all of the wonderful women in our lives. Even if they are no longer living, we can always carry them with us in our hearts. In my mom's words, "forever love never dies." Our mothers are a precious gift to us all and ultimately to the world. Let's carry their legacy forward!!

Your legacy is every life you have ever touched.

~Maya Angelou

Love,

Chloe J