Sunday, May 13, 2012

Mommy, Mamasan, Momo, Mom, and Bonus Mom

I was Mommy the moment I became pregnant with my very first child. I swelled with pride as she called out for me at 2 am, crying because her bottle nipple was inverted and she needed help. After trudging down the hallway three times, I wanted to throw in the mommy card and just call it a day. But, I didn't. I cherished the quiet times and even mischievousness she brought into my life.

Then when baby number two came,  in her quietness, she clung to me, wanting to make sure that her mommy was always close by. I'm surprised I don't have a limp from having her hold on tight to one leg while I walked. I don't know how or when I became Mamasan but to her, I did. We traveled to Oregon together, braving the unknown and in so many ways, she gave me the push to fly again.


I yearned for another chance to be a mommy again but divorce happened. Still, God made a way. Even though the relationship failed, I became Momo to Baby Boo. To Baby Boo, I was the singer of silly songs, the play-doh designer, the cake beater licker, the bowl of bubbles creator, the story reader and the mountain climber. When she cried, she cried for me to hold her and cradle her and let her know that I was there.


Moving to Oregon meant saying goodbye to Baby Boo. Even though she is still a huge part of my heart, there was an emptiness there. Then, J came into my life - J plus four! I became a bonus mom to a sweet, independent 19 year old, Brit. Her boldness, yet acceptance of me, made being a bonus mom easy. I always wanted a son and I have one in my bonus son, Jeff. He's 17 with a crazy sense of humor and talent. Not a morning goes by that the house isn't filled with the sounds of his free style rapping or singing. Of course, in every bouquet of flowers, there is one that stands out, being different than all the rest. That flower in my bouquet is Michelle, 14 years old and filled with thunder. She is quirky, sweet, messy (just being honest) smart and her own person. She has a fashion sense that reminds me of my girls at her age, dressing in clothes that makes her very own statement. The icing on the cake is Ashley who is ever helpful and always wanting to make sure that the stress levels in the house are down to a minimum. She is the one that tackles not one instrument but 4 because she can. She is money smart, cute and wise beyond her 12 years.


I can't help but burst with pride over my son-in-law, Jonathan. He is nurturing, loving, successful and smart. He compliments Ev'Yan in a way that no other man ever could. To him, I am Mom.

In the near future, I will be Mom again to another son-in-law, Orlando (Oly). He has been in our lives through so many of the highs and lows, with strength and determination. I am in awe of his certainty for loving Jarani, since they were 14 years of age.

Then, I can't leave the two furbabies out. They are the lights of my life, always reminding me that loyalty comes in many forms, even four-legged furry ones. They follow me endlessly. Snuggle up to me when I'm feeling blue (and even when I'm not). If I walk out the door, I can be certain that as soon as I come back in, I will be lavished with dancing and licks and barks that say, "I love you! I'm glad you're home, Mommy!


My bouquet is full and so is my heart on this Mother's day. I am truly blessed to be given the sometimes frustrating but always surprising roles of being Mommy, Mamasan, Momo, Mom and Bonus Mom.

Happy Mother's day to all of you Mommies!!! May your bouquets be overflowing with beautiful flowers.

22 comments:

Mari said...

I loved reading about all the different names you have, along with all the people (and dogs) that you mother in one way or another. You and they are blessed that you have each other.
Happy Mothers Day, sweet friend!

Adam said...

Have a wonderful Mother's day

Shelly said...

You have such a beautiful family- happy Mother's Day!

Brian Miller said...

i would say you have been blessed with an abundance of mothering to do...smiles...hope you had a wonderful day! happy mothers day!

Annesphamily said...

I love your story here today! Happy Mother's Day sweet friend! I am always praying for your health. Stay well and keep smiling! You are so unique! How I managed here before meeting you...I will never know!
Hugs today and always

Chatty Crone said...

What a beautiful story about motherhood and all your babies.
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY! Love, sandie

Connie said...

This is a beauitul post. You are so blest......what a great life you have.

Liz Mays said...

Your life is so full of blessings and wonderful people. Very happy for you!

Nezzy (Cow Patty Surprise) said...

What a wonderful story you've told here and just look at all the tender hearts you've 'mothered' in one way or another!!!

I hope your Mother's Day was the BEST sweetie!

Have a marvelously blessed week my friend!

Oh the names of a Mom! :o)

Deborah Ann said...

What a beautiful tribute to your children! Now that's love. You pointed out how your kids bless you instead of the other way around. I love it...

Happy Belated Mother's Day!

Lin said...

Happy Belated Mother's Day, Simone! You certainly have a LOT of love to share. :)

Joanna Jenkins said...

Hi Simone, What a wonderful Mother's Day this is for you-- VERY full with your family "officially" still growing with a future son-in-law. How very blessed you are and what a long way you have come.

I have no doubt you will have a strong and lasting impact of your entire family who will grow and be nurtured by your love through thick and thin. And then... dare I say, you will be one fantastic grandmother someday too :-))))

Ahh, life is good. xoxo jj

Jenny said...

This was so touching.

I think the one thing all those names combined spells is LOVE!

What a lovely family you have!

Jenny said...

This was so touching.

I think the one thing all those names combined spells is LOVE!

What a lovely family you have!

Linda Myers said...

Ah, yes. Two boys, adopted as infants, and six stepchildren, gifts of my second marriage. I hear you!

Sweet Tea said...

I always enjoy photos of your family - such a picture perfect bouquet of children you have, even the adorable fur babies! God bless, Simone!

Jill said...

Definitely a blessing! Glad you had a great mother's day!

blessings,
Jill

Anita said...

I like how you thought of each of the 10 children (yes, I counted the pups, too) as different kinds of flowers in your bouquet.

I hope you had a lovely and memorable Mother's Day. And if you didn't, there's always next year... or today for that matter. :)

D'Elle said...

Beautiful! Love your blog!

Liz said...

What a beautiful blog filled with pride, love, and happiness. I hope you had a very special Mother's Day!

Veronica Lee said...

That was beautiful! You are indeed blessed, dear Simone!

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