For some individuals Mother’s Day can be an extremely depressing holiday. There are many people who have been abandoned by their mother, have experienced the death of their mother or child, or simply do not have any contact with their mother or child and find Mother’s Day somewhat difficult to get through. Over the last two years I have become more aware of this and more thankful for the mother figure I was given because of the things I have seen while working in an Emergency Department of a hospital on this day and many other holidays.

When I was a child my birth mother abandoned me, left me with my grandparents, and out of anger I used to tell people that she died. Health wise she was the farthest thing from being dead. For a very long time I would get emotional on Mother’s Day because of the situation with my birth mother, but in all honesty, I would not have wanted anyone other than my grandmother to raise me.

My grandmother is the strongest, most hard working and dedicated down to earth woman that I have ever had the honor to be close to. When she was diagnosed with cancer she fought the disease like a champion until she was free and did not let it get the best of her. For that alone, she is inspiring and has made me want to do great things in my life to make her proud. She is my best friend and I am positive that I can go to her for anything. Sometimes I may not like the advice she gives me, but majority of the time she is right. I have been blessed to have been raised by a woman as great as my grandmother. She has truly shaped half of who I am today (the other half goes to my grandfather). I know that I would not be the person I am today without her.

My grandparents adopted me when I was about 12 years old and although they did not create me, they are my true parents. I am immensely thankful for being given my grandmother for a mother. I can truly say that the love I have for her runs endlessly deep. She has given me a wonderful life full of wisdom and support.

This Mother’s Day take a moment to remember the person who raised you. Whether that be your father, aunt, grandma, sister, a friend’s parent or an adoptive mother, take a minute to give them a call and say thank you. For anyone who had a mother figure other than the woman who birthed you, that person loves you more than you can imagine so do not forget to show them gratitude and joy. Thank them for being awesome and for the wonderful life lessons they probably taught you. If your mother is not with you on Earth, take Mother’s Day to celebrate their life.

On a side note, I want to give a huge thank you to all the mothers of puppies, kittens, and other pets in the world, you guys deserve a big “Happy Mother’s Day” too!