The Oxford Dictionary defines a mother as female parent, give birth to, be the mother or origin of protect as a mother. I would have to partially agree, because I believe that a mother is so much more. It doesn’t take a lot to be a mother; but it takes a lot to be a mommy, is something I have said ever since I was approximately ten years old.
My mother left my two brothers and me when I was five years old. My brother Joe was almost four, and Zach was almost two. My dad was a long haul truck driver. Therefore, my Grandma took care of us when he was gone. Throughout life my mother would come visit us, ut visits were few and far between. Instead, my Grandma was my mother figure. Through-out life she and I were the two women sitting at the corner table in a resturant eating after a long day of shopping. She is the one that I looked up to and asked for advice in different situations as they arise in life. She would always give me the most honest and loving advice any mommy would give their child. I remember when I was in grade school during mother-daughter dances and different things mothers and daughters would do, Grandma was always there.
Kids would look at me real funny because when Grandparents Day would come, she ould be there also. That’s when I developed the opinion, it doesn’t take a lot to ba a mother; but it takes a lot to be a mommy. I would definitely have to say that I am truly blessed by the relationship that she and I have. It is a very loving and honest relationship. She is always there for me. As a mom myself I know that I could never just walk out on my child. A mother loves their child/ children unconditionally. Always putting their childs needs before their own. My Grandma had seven children of her own, and on top of that she made the ultimate sacrifice of raising me too.
God that she raised me instead of my biological mother (Tamara). My brothers however choose to return to my mother. Yes biologically Tamara is my mother, however I don’t consider her as such. I have a very vauge memory of Tamara when I was four years old, I remember her looking at me right in the face asking my why I couldn’t have been a boy. “ I NEVER WANTED A GIRL” I remember that statement so vividly like it happened yesterday. Maybe that’s why today I am what most people would consider to be a tom boy. A mother should love their children unconditionally, and I know without a doubt that, that is the love that I receive from nana.
I have always considered my Grandma (nana, as I have always called her) my mom. In my opinion a mother is a title that has to be earned, it doesn’t just come about because you had a child. In my opinion being a mom requires you to be loving and nurturing. Something that Tamara my biological mother never did for me. Eight years ago, I gave my two daughters up for adoption because I could not provide for them like they needed and deserved. I did an open adoption which means that I am still somewhat involved in their lives. That is the unconditional love that I am refering to, that love every mother should have for their child.
I thank God all the time for the motherly loving relationship That I have with Nana. I also thank her all the time for teaching and leading an example of how important it is to be the best mother you can be. Every child needs to be loved and nurtured and if you are not mother enough to do it, in my opinion, give them to someone that is because it doesn’t take a lot to be a mother; but it takes a lot to be a mommy.
