Real Mom Truths Part II

So more real mom truths… That is what this is all about, right?!

My aunt Cheryl is probably the person in our extended family whom I am most like. She is outgoing and boisterous, at times unsure of herself, always ready to go the distance, a little lot bossy, and full of fun and joy and love. As I have gotten older, I have really learned to appreciate her life experiences and her willingness to share with me some hard-learned lessons. She is the one I think of when I am fighting hard to tell that ugly little voice in my head—you know the one that says I am unlovable, unlikable, and unworthy—to shut up. She has told me time and again that I am lovable, likable and worthy. I know she means that. She knows what it is like to hear that voice.

She might not always admit it to most people, but she and I are so lucky to share that bond… The bond of battling with yourself to love yourself. I have even learned from her how to “look” like I have quieted that voice. So although she isn’t my mom, she is a mom, and this real mom teaches even the hard lessons.

She has been the one to tell me how it is, like it is. She was the one who looked me and my 14-year-old-girlfriends in the eye and said, “If your first time is in the back seat of some car, it’s gonna’ hurt and you aren’t gonna’ like it.” Period. You betcha’ that not a one of us lost that V-card in the back of some guy’s car. She taught us that we were to be respected. She showed us that men (and boys) should be expected to act toward us and speak to us in a respectful manner.

She has taught me more than just to demand respect from the men folk… She has taught me a lot about how to be a wife. She once told me, when speaking to your husband, you can talk to the king or you can talk to the fool—but you’re gonna’ get the one you talk to. I really try to remember that. Seeing as Cheryl is just as bossy as I am, we sometimes need to remember that rule.

I rely on the many life lessons she has taught me. I hope I can be an honest and frank with my children (or maybe my niece) as she has always been with me. She is brave and strong and smart. I am proud to call her my aunt and my friend.