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.