Moms are important. My mom is amazing. She’s the one that gave me life, the one that supported me growing up, and she’s still the first person I call when I have any issues.

However, I have a few other moms that I know I need in this life. For many other girls, you’ll need these too.

1. Your birth (and/or) adoptive (and/or) step-mom.

This goes for whoever is the primary "mother" figure in your life. My mom, Kathy, is one of the most amazing women I’ve ever met. She’s always been there for me through some of life’s toughest trials, and she’s also always been there for all of my triumphs in life. Not only did this woman carry me for nine months and give birth to me, but she also stuck around to change my diapers when I was young, sing me to sleep, and even today, she’s still my #1 fan. Mom, I know we butt heads at times (as all mothers and daughters do), and I know you’re not always going to agree with everything I decide to do in life. Regardless, thank you for your unconditional love and support that I’ve had over my whole life, and that I will continue to have for the rest of it.

2. Your grandmother(s).

I was fortunate enough to grow up with both grandmothers, both great grandmothers, and then one other great grandmother for the first year of my life. These fantastic women have helped shape me into the woman I’ve become. One of my grandmothers in particular, my maternal grandmother, took me in last summer to live with her and my grandfather. I know I was probably a pain, and stressful to live with at times, but thank you for giving me the chance to spread my wings in a new place! Thanks to you, I think I’ve really grown as an individual over the last year.

I don’t want to discredit my other grandmothers, however. Even though I have only been able to see a few of you, for only a few times in my life, my life has been impacted greatly because of you. You either raised my grandmother, grandfather, mother, or father. Thanks to your teachings, my grandparents and parents have passed down great morals and beliefs down to me.

3. Your best friend’s mother(s).

My best friends growing up really did have the coolest moms. I can remember my friend Anna’s mom, Laurie; my friend Sydney’s mom, Julie; and last, but certainly not least, my friend Elizabeth’s mom, Allison. These women were all people that I could go to growing up if I needed anything.

However, Allison is someone I will always hold in my heart. I know it’s been ages since I’ve last had dinner with your family, or hung out at your house, but you’ve made such an impact on my life. If it weren’t for you, chances are I wouldn’t have ever gone to my parents to ask for help with my depression so many years ago. You weren’t just one of my best friend’s moms, you’ve always been one of my best “mom friends.” Thank you for raising such a fantastic daughter (who I miss very much!), and thank you for making your house a safe haven for me all of those years.

4. Your significant other’s mother.

Now, I’ve dated my fair share of guys. I’m fortunate that my current boyfriend’s mother, Sue, is so awesome! Personally, I think that really getting to know your significant other’s family is one of the best parts of a relationship. I’m so lucky that Justin really does have the coolest family that has really taken me in with open arms as part of it. Thank you, Sue, for raising such a fantastic son who has really changed my life for the better. I just know you had to have played some part in the making of the great character your son has!

5. Your Godmother.

Last, but certainly not least, I don’t know if everyone in this world has a Godmother, but if you don’t, you’re missing out. My Auntie Kris is amazing! I am so fortunate to have a woman as amazing as you to help me on my faith journey through this crazy thing called life. I know I can count on you if I need to just escape for the weekend in little ole’ Owatonna, MN, or even if I just need something as simple as prayers and a hug. Thank you for your countless years of support. I don’t know what I would do without you!!!

So those are the five significant mothers you’ll meet in your lifetime. I really wanted to write about how important these women are, because sometimes I feel like they don’t give enough credit.

So here’s the note I want to end on here: The next time you see any of these women, give them a huge squeeze right away. They definitely deserve it!