Real Mom Truths Part I

I brainstormed about a "Real Mom Truths" post and realized I couldn't talk about real moms without talking about the 4 best real moms I know... Here is part I of the series.

I know a few truths about real moms. I, myself, am not yet a real mom, but I am so blessed to have as role models four of the strongest women this world is lucky to have. These four women have influenced each other—and me—in so many ways that define who we are as women.

So on to some real mom truths.

Real moms find a way to make it work. My grandma is the loving mother of four, grandmother to 12, great grandmother to 11. She raised kids in times that were not always easy, but she found ways to make it work. She has taught us to live our lives in Christ-like ways. When times were hard for her and her family, Grandma did things like taking in ironing and laundry to help make ends meet. She found ways to keep her kids happy and healthy. Proof of her mothering is, as they say, in the pudding… My mother and my aunt are two of the strongest, bravest, most intelligent, and most loving women I am blessed to know. They have streaks of my grandma in them—whether it’s the occasional firey temper or the tenacity and determination with which any new task must be met. These are the kinds of things my grandma has instilled in all of us.

My grandma is selfless. She devotes herself to her community—she is an advocate for the seniors of her town. She is active in her church and finds little and big ways to help those in need. She does these things simply because it is who she is.

She devoted endless hours to helping raise us grandkids, and now she does the same with her many great-grandkids. Her relationship with my niece is one to be admired. They share a closeness that will bring my niece memories and lessons for her entire life.

I, too, will have memories and lessons for my entire life. I am so lucky to have never met a stranger. My grandma taught me that every new person we encounter on this earth is simply a friend we have yet to make. I live by that mantra. Whether it is through my interactions with students or the way I behave at academic conferences or even how I act at biker events. I have friends everywhere, my grandma told me so. My grandma instilled in me a confidence (although sometimes I think of it more as a craziness) to strike up conversations with anyone I encounter. This ability has gotten me things and places in life. I am so grateful to have that skill, and it is one I hope to pass on to my children.