This week I have struggled to know what to write in celebration and honor of Mother’s Day. I am grateful for the mom that I brought me to life. She was loving, brave and strong. She raised 12 children of which I was the youngest and by the time I came around her life was considerably easier than when she became a mom. The 22-year age difference between my oldest brother and me seemed like a life-time difference. Mom did her best to give her kids attention even when she was worn out at the end of a long day. I am so very grateful that Jennie was my mom and that she loved me! Another woman who touch the lives of my daughters and me was my loving and strong mother-in-law. Like my mom, Ardella raised a boatload of children. She welcomed us into her family as if we had always been there. My daughters loved going to her home after school, eating her hotmilk cake, lefse and sugar cookies while hearing the latest “apartment building” gossip. We loved her dearly! Lastly, I have been so blessed with two beautiful, smart and loving daughters who call almost daily to share their daily life stories with me. Best of all, because of them, I get to hear the words, “I love you mom!” I am a fortunate woman. |