Mother's Day 2010

Mother's Day this year has taken on a new meaning for me. With HFG coming in the next few months, it really has made me think about what kind of Mother I want to be to my daughter and about all the women in my life who have loved me, encouraged me and made me who I am today. There are so many women that have affected my life...my favorite teacher who was my biggest cheerleader for years (Mrs. Houston!), my Bible study leader from junior high and high school who put up with a bunch of crazy girls (Nesha!!), and all my sisters from high school, college and beyond. I could go on and on about all the women that have supported me, loved me, laughed with me, been honest with me and stood beside me. But I thought I would take a minute to talk about 3 that are truly blessings from God in my life.

The first is my Mother-in-Law Karen. My Mom always told me that you marry more than a just a husband. You marry an entire family. She was so true! I am fortunate to have married into a wonderful family in the Goldens. From day one, my MIL welcomed me with open arms in her life and her family. She has always been there to support Barrett and I in all the ups and downs we have had. She loves her family and would give the shirt off her back if it helped someone. And she is the epitome of a hostess when you are in her home. She would cook you a 4 course meal at 10 p.m. if you asked her to. She is one of the most genuinely loving women I have ever known. I am thankful HFG will have her as a woman in her life.

The next woman I am thankful for is my dear grandmother, Mimi. I could write a book on her alone. She was a faithful, loving wife over 50 years to a Yankee who she met at a soda fountain in Memphis during WWII. They had 5 children and have an abundance of grandchildren, great grandchildren and even a great great grandson now. She has been widowed for many years now, but has continued to live her life with passion and to serve her God with faithfulness. She is truly a Proverbs 31 woman. I only hope that one day I can live up to the wonderful legacy that she has set for all of us. I feel so very very blessed to have her in my life and am so thankful for the example she set.

And finally my own dear Mother, Robbie. She says that HFG is going to call her Robbie, not Grandma or Mamaw or Nana...and for those that know my mother you will agree. She is Robbie. She marches to her her drum beat and has always loved each of us and encouraged us to march to our own drum beat. She has always let us be ourselves and loved us for no matter what that was. I know that I get my independent streak from her. She reminds of a mother bird. She was always there to nurture us and "feed us." But when it was time for us to "go," she was the first one pushing me out of the nest and encouraging me to fly on my own. I remember the day my parents took me to Move In Day at the W. I was 18 and was so scared and excited to be going to college away from home. She buzzed around my dorm room unpacking and making my bed and being helpful. And when they left, she gave me a big hug and smile. (She being a W girl also knew the adventure I was in for). And then they left! My Dad did tell me later she cried in the car on the way home, but she was nothing but smiles for me that day. She has always just wanted me to be happy and to find my way in the world. I am eternally grateful and blessed for the independence and freedom she gave me. I hope that I am strong enough to give HFG the same push when she needs it.