Unfortunate circumstances forced us farther apart during my teen years and I couldn't wait to move out of our house into my own place upon graduation. It didn't happen that year, but the next year I moved into a mobile home with my best friend.
She always made sure my clothes were clean and there was a tasty meal on the table...venison chili, braised short ribs in a tomato sauce with green beans over mashed potatoes (I sure wish I had that recipe!) and carrot cookies that were to die for! Every Sunday, while my dad was still alive, we would have fried chicken and all that went with it, and homemade lemon meringue pie...all recipes in her head.
As time passed, I moved to Oregon, then to Iowa. At that time I didn't realize her health was so poor. She was a terrible chain smoker, and by the time she finally saw a doctor, the cancer was so advanced it had eaten part of her esophagus. She died a terrible death and I wasn't there. I was pregnant with my 2nd son, when my family went to Montana to see her and clear out her apartment. I received word of her passing 2 days after returning home to Oregon.
The relationship we had was tolerable. I neither loved nor hated her...I honestly to this day don't know how to describe what I feel about her. So, instead of celebrating Mother's Day...I celebrate my children and I celebrate women all over the world. I'm so proud to be a woman...no let me rephrase that...I'm so proud to be a lady with high standards and morals who doesn't give a rat's behind about being politically correct.
I stand for truth and honor and justice in all situation for all people...INCLUDING MEN! But, let me add to this, I do not support abuse in any form--whether it be from males or females. I was physically and sexually abused as a teen by the man who my mom was supposedly in love with...and I will not stand for any physical or emotional abuse by anyone! I am not a male basher. I am old school and still respect the strong male role models (even though they are more and more difficult to find) and applaud any who succeed.
So, on a day for Mothers....may I say to all my girlfriends worldwide...shine your lights this day as you mother those around you whether they be your own children or someone else who needs your love and compassion.