Happy Mother's Day!

To all the mothers out there!

In my life there are a real mix of moms. I can see so many different qualities that make them strong. My sister, who would rather play with her kids, and teach them about black holes, but has to work to support her little ones. Seeing the strength it takes for her to leave them, and the guilt she feels having to, makes me a more loving mother. My mother, the hard as nails softy. Hearing her defend her family at the slightest inkling of a threat, makes me more of an advocate for my own children. My grandmother, a woman I have loved dearly and respected all my life, growing older and shakier. I remember the two of us running down the train tracks. She inspires me to run and play with my kids while my body is able.

My friends with children of their own.

My sister, a mother for 11 years and now expecting a baby in 4 short weeks...about to become a new mother all over again.

My children's teachers who leave their own kids to teach mine.

There is another group of moms out there, and they are the ones that my love and thoughts will be with probably most of all tomorrow. They are the moms with no children in tow. They have felt that heart wrenching sting of having their babies taken from them all too soon. They are perhaps the strongest mothers of all.