I LOVE being a mom! It has been the most rewarding and fulfilling part of my life hands down! I know that there are many of you out there reading this right now that can relate to this sentiment. BUT I also know that there are many of you out there reading this who have chosen a different path or perhaps life has chosen a different path for you. So on this Mother’s Day I want to give a shout out to all the moms out there for sure, but I also want to give a shout out to all of those who have served as a mom or mother figure to someone in your life. Allow me to share one such example of someone in my life who has recently inspired me to share her story on this Mother’s Day…my sister Tina.
Some of you may remember that back in 2016 my youngest sister Lisa was killed in a hit and run accident in my home town of Frankenmuth. Tragic to say the least. But what was equally tragic is that this left my 3 nephews without parents as their dad was no longer a part of their lives. My sister Lisa had struggled with a lot in her 49 years of life, so my sister Tina had already stepped in to help with the care of Lisa’s boys, but with Lisa’s passing, Tina ended up with full responsibility and custody. Although my sister Tina’s path did not include having children of her own, life gave her 3 boys to raise into fine young men…and that she did. All 3 boys have recently moved to Nashville…one as a school teacher, one to open up his own Allstate insurance agency and the other to pursue a career as a drummer. Last weekend, my husband, Dave, and I got to go downtown Detroit to watch my nephew, Parker, play the drums for a band out of Nashville. Another one of my nephews, Josh, was able to make the trip up as well so we got to spend a bit of time with them both. What really impressed me was their character. What incredible humans they had become despite the huge stack of yucky cards life has dealt them. I was overcome with emotion watching my nephew Parker perform both because I know my sister Lisa would’ve loved to have been there but also because I was so overcome with gratitude that my other sister Tina had stepped in as a surrogate mom to help them land on their feet. I was just struck with what a gift she had given these boys as well as our whole family.
So on this Mother’s Day, in addition to celebrating our moms or being a mom, I wish to applaud the many women who have touched the lives of children, who have guided them through life and who have loved them as a mother.
Cheers to you all!!
Thank you Tina!!
Miss you Lisa…
