Celebrating the Women in My Life

In honor of Mother’s Day, I'm celebrating the women in my life: family, friends, and authors. 

FAMILY 
     I love my mom, but I have been known to insist that I don’t want to turn into her! Haven’t we all at some point? My mom has been a rock throughout my life. We haven’t always agreed with each other, but for the most part, she has encouraged me to live my life and be my own person. It’s comforting to know she’s on my side, and as we age, I plan to be on her side.
     My grandma has been gone for 11 years but I think of her every day when I put on her wedding ring, which was given to me after she passed. I treasure that ring, and it serves as a reminder to me to follow her leads: 

• Choose your words carefully! I never heard her say a bad word about anybody. She might hint at issues with people, but she always said it in such a way that I was never really sure how she felt about the person.
• Be spunky! My grandma was a petite, less-than-five-foot-tall lady. In her early 80s, she traveled with a senior citizens group to New York City, even though the doctor had warned against it because of a heart ailment (she replied that she would die doing what she loved). The highlight of her trip was going for a walk in Central Park – alone, at 6 AM – because she wanted to see a bag lady! I guess age didn’t intimidate or stop her from adventures!

     Technology has enabled my sister and I to build a relationship, stronger than when we were kids. We share our lives on a regular basis now – venting and encouraging in turn. She’s a terrific sounding board, respecting my thoughts but not afraid to share a conflicting opinion. I can talk to her about anything.
     My daughter is also a role model for me, believe it or not.  At 23, she is living her dream: owning and driving a racecar. Her passion drives her commitment to racing. Her focus is amazing. I need to take some lessons from her! 

FRIENDS
     I’ve heard it said that if you have five good friends in your lifetime, you should count yourself lucky. I am blessed with several good friends – friends who will laugh and cry with me. Friends I might not see or talk to for awhile, but when we get together it’s like we’ve never been apart. Friends who will bring me books and chocolate if I ever go to jail! 

AUTHORS
     Some of the smartest, strongest women I know are authors. Not all of the ladies in my writers group are mothers, but it doesn’t matter. They are writers. They offer encouragement and hope when I need it most. They are knowledgeable and helpful. They are hardworking and determined. They know what they want and how to get it. 
    
I’m fortunate to be surrounded by strong women – women who serve as role models; women who shape my life by their very existence. I am thankful for their presence in my life. 

Celebrate the women in your life!