The Mothers in My Life

This is a hard post to write. I have been putting it off not only because I have had no time to sit down and write it, but also because I lost two very important woman in my life this year.

We lost my mother-in-law on August 4, 2011. It feels like it was yesterday but it has been more than 10 months ago. I still think about her every single day. She was an amazing mother, grammy, daughter and wife. Aaron and I were talking about her tonight and Aaron said that as he put Kylie to bed, he was talking about going to see Grandpa and Grandmom tomorrow and she mentioned Grammy. She then said that she wouldn't get to see her because she was in heaven and then started crying. Not sure if I could have held it together if she told me this since I am crying just writing it. She is only 2 and has had to process the death of a grandparent already in her short life. I know I miss her more and more and I am sure Grandmom, Roger, Nathan, Aaron and the kids do as well.

This picture is one of the last pictures I took of her and Roger with the kids. I will always love it because she loved being with the kids.

We also lost my grandmother on December 29, 2011. She suffered from Alzheimer's disease and it only really got bad the last six months. I know she would have hated to see herself like she was in the end because she was always very put together and such a beautiful woman. I miss her so much and it still hurts my heart to even see a picture of her.

This picture is from my college graduation. We were all so happy!

Now I would like to talk about a few influential women in my life. First is my mom. She is my best friend and has always been there for me no matter what. Growing up we didn't always see eye to eye but I think it was because we were so much alike and I was a know-it-all teenager. Now that I have a little girl of my own who is 2 going on 13, I completely understand. I am so thankful to have her as my mom and do not know what I would do without her. Thank you mom for everything you do for me and my little family. You have taught me so much and I love you so much!

Another very important woman in my life is Aaron's Grandmom. She is one of the strongest women I know and has been through so much this past year. She treats me like her own granddaughter and I love that. The kids love her so much and we always look forward to visiting with her. I just wish we lived closer so we could see each other more often. I am so grateful to have her in my life and I thank God everyday that she is. Thank you Grandmom for everything you do for us! We love you!

There are many other women in my life that I look up to and love so much. I am fortunate to have all of the amazing Aunts, Great-Aunts, a sister and sister-in-law and friends in my life. Last year's Mother's Day Post highlighted my maternal grandma and great-grandma who I lost many years ago who also meant so much to me.

Happy (belated) Mother's Day to all of the women out there!