If you know me, you know that I think my mom is the coolest superhero, and the woman I strive to be like.
You would also know that she has raised three kids mostly by herself without the help of a man in the picture during my most formative years. But although my mom raised us by herself, it wasn't without the help of my other mothers.
They say that it takes a village to raise a child, and I have never believed that more. I don't know what I, or my family as a whole, would have done without my other mothers.
These women have helped my family in more ways than they could ever imagine. I don't think they will ever be able to fully grasp the impact they have had on my life and the type of woman I someday want to be.
My other mothers include past teachers, PTO parents, the moms of my best friends, and even more. Over the years, they have always been there, no matter what I or my family needed. While these people came from all the different facets of my life, one thing that they all had in common was that we could always call on them for whatever we needed and knew that they would be there as soon as they could with whatever they could do or spare.
While most of these people had families of their own, they made sure that we were a part of their families as well, meaning lots of people around at all times.
They have helped pick us up from school when my mom had to be in class. They have listened to my mom vent about mom things when she has had a bad day. They have taken me out to dinner. They have brought dinner. They have encouraged me and reassured me that I can take the next step in my life without fear.
They have had us over to their pools when the heat was just too much to bear. They have talked me through decisions before I could mess things up. They have called my mom when I misbehaved. They have held my hair while I threw up thanks to an allergic reaction to anesthesia.
They have helped give me opportunities that I don't otherwise think I would have had or ever would have even imagined.
I can never say thank you enough to my other mothers for everything that they have done. I only hope that one day I can repay even a little bit of what they have done for me. I can, however, make sure that they know how much I appreciate everything that they have done for my family and myself.
So, this one is for you guys. Thank you for being my mom's friends and my other mothers. Thank you for being a part of the village that raised this child.