to the mothers

To my beautiful and fire-spirited mom, who is compassion and spunk defined, and who I love with all of my heart. You are so much to all of us, Mom.

To my incredible mother-in-law, whose enormous heart knows no bounds in the love she has for her family. I am so thankful to this lovely person for the son that she raised, and I am even more thankful that I get to be a part of her family.

To my aunts (from both my side and Kevin’s side), to our grandmothers, to my great-aunt Carmen, and to my cousin Julia – we love you all so much.

To my amazing friends who are mamas --- so many of you raising so many wonderful little people! Thank you for letting me play “aunt” to your little ones, and for the much-appreciated words of encouragement over the past few months.

To the women who have been like mothers to me: Susan and Margaret, I love you and the incredible daughters you’ve raised.

To all the mothers in the world who struggle to put food on the table, to provide basic needs for their babies – in hope for a more just world for you and your families.

To all the mothers who are spending sleepless nights worrying over the health of their children, and to the mothers who have lost children – in hope for peace and healing for you and your families.

To the inspiring mamas, future mamas, and women who are mamas in their hearts, who write with humor and wit about the daily trials and tribulations of everything motherhood – thank you for providing the space for other women to say, “Me too!”

And to me, in the future. Because I really do believe it’s going to happen.

My twenty-one-year-old mom and me, 1982.

My mother-in-law, Cheryl, and her two boys, 1983 or 1984.

My gorgeous pregnant momma (my sister and I are eleven months apart) and me in South Padre Island, TX, 1983.

My mother with her three girls (me, Mel, and baby Gigie) during an apparently hilarious family moment, 1991 or 1992.

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