What is it to be a mother?

  To me being a mother is much more than one may think. You do not become a mother instantly when they place your new baby in your hands. You don't get the title because you've changed a few diapers, had a few sleepless nights, drove your children to and from school, wiped a few running noses, or go to work everyday and provide food and clothing.
 
Being a mother is so much more than that. It's such a gift, such a joy that only a mother can truly understand. It may not always be easy and each one of us can share our own stories of how hard it can be. When are children are babies we watch has each new level of laughter & smiles come from them. As they take on new expressions. The cutiest little faces ever. Does their hair stay straight, get curly? What color will it eventually be. Then they become of age when they can talk, walk and interact. And some of the things that come out of their mouths, wow. The school aged, and all that Art they bring home for our refrigerators. I have lots in the garage from all our children, priceless. Then all the birthday parties, friends over, picking out the right outfits, weekends of sporting events, & don't forget family time.

  Then we have the teen years. Can I just say a lot of praying!! These years are the hardest but the best years of my life. Laundry seems to be my best friend. Teens like to see mothers wash clean clothes over and over again. =-) They must think we have nothing better to do with our time. HEHEHE! The days of hangin out with friends, going to the movies, liking boys or girls, the drama of young ladies, the late nights talking, the crumpy next mornings, the malls, the clothes, more clothes, make-up for my ladies, boys & theirs shoes. The new friends, old friends, the piercings, yikes! Some we approve & some we don't. School projects, grades up & down, homework, homework & more homework. Getting the honor to watch them become the man or woman that God intends them to be. It can be scary at times.

  Then they turn 18 and you have to sit back and watch them make decisions on their own. Watch some make mistakes, watch some fall, & then get back up. All while praying that they will come out okay. Wondering if all that you have taught them, all that you have poured in their lives these past 18 years will give them a good sense of directions. Looking back on the day they got their first shots, blooding nose or ouchy. That first scare of asthma & the breathing treatment at the hospital. Feeling your heart beat with so much love, your heart hurts sometimes. It has been worth every moment, every tear, every late night waiting up. Being a mother is still my greatest joy!

  As a step-mother as well, I have had the privilage to share in some of those moments with them. I wouldn't give one day back from the moments I'm allowed in their lives too. See being a mother isn't a born right to us, it's a gift from God. Some fully understand what it means to be a mother. Others may not get it right away but my prayer is that you do, soon! Don't let your children grow old & have pain in theirs hearts. But yet that they look back and remember when you looked at them they seen the joy in your eyes. They always knew you loved them, excepted them for who they are. With just a smile, you can set their hearts on fire. Be their fire mothers. Love them like only we can. Show them unconditional love, as Our Heavenly Fathers loves us.....Blessing to all you mothers!