Other Mother

I have been so blessed in my life to be surrounded by strong Christian women. My Nannie, my Mom, my Aunt Verna, my Youth Leader Mel, Cecilia, other friends of my Mom and many other women. I think it has been a true blessing and gift to have these woman as examples and leaders and show me what it means to be a Christian wife and mother.

One woman I would particularly like to mention is Janice. She is my Mom's Best Friend and Business Partner and my OTHER MOTHER. Having someone to turn to no matter what, who loves me unconditionally just as a mother does, and someone that does not judge me or lecture me or ridicule me but just listens to me, let's me vent, and when asked gives me gentle guidance and advice without giving demands and without forcing me into a decision that she wants. She gives pros and cons for both sides and has a way of being supportive of either decision while using her experience and knowledge, and her strength and God's word to guide me into the right choice. As a young lady with a rocky relationship with my mother, it is nice to have someone who is sort of neutral and loves both my Mom and me and can sort of be in both corners and we can stand on her neutral ground.

I have told Janice repeadedly that she is an Angel to me and to my family. I love my Mom and Janice does not replace her. But to have Another Mother to turn to is such an amazing thing. The lifting up, the support, the advice, the love, the friendship, the guidance and example, mixed with the the prayer that she provides - on top of that my own mother does is just amazing! (Janice does alot of other stuff too that will remain between us!! HAHA)

So...where is this reflection on my relationship with my Other Mother? We found out Wednesday that my Best Friend and Soul Mate, Nichole, is having a baby girl!! I can't wait to be someone's Other Mother!

I have something to say to my Nutter Butter (that is her nickname already)...I will ALWAYS be there for you no matter what and I hope that our relationship is strong and good and you will know that I love you like my own and that I am here in times when you feel you can't turn to your Mom, when you feel you need Another Mother...I am here and I love you already and I am so excited for you to join our friendship and our family! It has already been a blessing for me to be part of your tiny little pre-birth life, and I can not WAIT to watch you grow into the intelligent, beautiful, strong, loving Christian woman I know you will be. You have already blessed with an awesome Mother and hopefully I can live up to the high standards Janice has set and be an awesome Other Mother! I hope I am as much a gift from God to you as you and your Mom and My Other Mother Janice are to me!!