Members Only

On January 24, 2008 I joined the ranks of Mommidom. This club is certainly not exclusive, being a member has it's fair share of challenges but the benefits can be undeniably kick "a". The club does not have a hand-shake, as far as I'm privy to. Membership is simply confirmed with a gentle smile or knowing look of appreciation, sympathy or sometimes both. As simple as it was to join, membership has inspired me in more ways then I could have guessed.
This morning as I sat down to brunch with the two mothers in our lives, I got to thinking about how wonderful they both are. "Momosas" in hand, Jerry and I toasted them briefly as Ella teetered precariously standing on a perch of a highchair. Even given the time and the ability to concentrate, words could never express how grateful we are to be born to them. How they both did it, I don't know. Ella, I write this post so that you are aware of the awesome line of female blood that runs through your veins. Your Mimi raised two children single-handedly since I was six years old. She managed to maintain our home, lawn, mortgage, meals, homework, music lessons, discipline, doctor's appointments, sports and discipline, all while teaching JUNIOR HIGH KIDS full-time. She did this with style and the fortitude of an ox (sorry Mom, couldn't think of a better metaphor). Your Lola came to this country in the early 70s. New to the states, it's culture and forays and newly married she became pregnant. Thousands of miles away from her own mother she gave birth and started her parenthood journey. Soon after your uncle was born, he was diagnosed with a very serious illness. Critical surgeries were conducted in a foreign hospital, discussions with doctors had in a foreign language. The faith and strength she had were undeniable. Your Lola has experienced great loss, events that may have crippled others but throughout life she found happiness and sought out joys. It is with great awe that we salute you both today. We don't do it often enough. Thank you for serving as such a wonderful example of what it means to be a mother, a woman. I am so proud to be among the ranks.