Mother's Day is just a couple of days away. I have thought a lot this week about my own kids. I have said it before and I reiterate, they are amazing people. James is now in Korea, and found the first week a little challenging, but he seems to be doing very well now. Jason was sworn into the military a week ago and is now just waiting to hear when he goes off for training. Jenn continues to flourish in her profession (she is an ER Nurse and has already taken on some supervisory roles).

I think back often to when they were children. Jenn was always such a caregiver. I have pictures of her playing "nurse" with her Daddy when she was just 3 years old. She would always look out for her little brothers, to the point that when James was being pushed around by a school bully when he was 6 years old, she took it upon herself to pick him up from his classroom every recess to make sure he was safe. Then there's James & Jason. When they were 4 and 7 years old, they bought me a beautiful mug for Christmas (I still have it). It had a scene on it with mother bear and 2 cubs. When I asked them why they had chosen that mug with that picture, they giggled and said that they had 2 reasons. One was that I was over protective, the other was that they knew they didn't dare talk to me before I had a shower and a coffee in the morning. Pretty scary that children so young can know their mother so well! (Have I always been that transparent?)

I am however a firm believer that it takes a village to raise a child. My children have been very fortunate to have had many people in their lives that have played a key role in their upbringing. On this Mother's Day weekend, I would like to pay tribute to those remarkable, strong women who have impacted on my children's lives and the lessons that they have taught them.

I come from what today is considered to be a large family. We do not "camp out" on each other's door steps or "sit in each other's laps" per say, but we are close and are best of friends. I have 2 sisters (Barbara & Cathy) and 3 sister in laws (Evie, Gayle & Melody), commonly known as "The Aunts", who have all played a key role for each of my children:

Auntie Cathy: for reinforcing a love of reading and learning. For always having an open door, and for keeping the candy bowls full for the "Hungry Guys". For the special camping trips and your insightfulness in knowing when each of the kids needed special 1 on 1 time ............. Thank You!

Auntie Barbara: for treating Jenn like a little sister because she had only brothers, for showing your trust in my kids when yours came along, for teaching the boys how to belch on demand, for your example of taking appropriate risks and being independent, for encouraging imagination (giant crickets aside) ............ Thank You!

Auntie Evie: for your intelligence and the wonderful example you set when you returned to university to earn your graduate degree. For setting such a positive example in not allowing "obstacles" in your life stop you from what you love doing (music) ................ Thank You!

Auntie Gayle: for your wonderful pastoral heart and example to reaching out to and supporting others. For showing how to provide support to those society considers to be the "underdogs". For always being interested. For the amazing meals and goodies! ............. Thank You!

Aunt Mel: for showing great courage through a time that is unimaginable for any parent, for never wavering from your faith. For being such a good sport when you were initiated into the family with your first "spoons" game. ............. Thank You!

There have also been many incredible friends and acquaintances who have left their mark. Two who have truly set examples are Liz (my best friend), and Wanda, Bruce's ex sister in law, who we remained friends with) and Ruby (Jennifer's mother in law).

Liz: for your example of perseverance. For clearly demonstrating what true friendship and loyalty means. For all the days of relaxing at Wasaga Beach. .............. Thank You!

Wanda: for ensuring that the cousins were in touch and although there was geographical distance, that their friendships continued and grew. For demonstrating that true forgiveness can happen. For you wonderful, open newfie hospitality! ............. Thank You!

Ruby: for openly encouraging, supporting and taking great pride for all that Jenn does. For opening your home to her brothers and always making them feel welcome and comfortable. For clearly showing unconditional acceptance. .............. Thank You!

Last but definitely not least, and in actuality most importantly, both my mother and Bruce's mother have had an incredible impact on the lives of my children. In fact, my mom has had one of my children, first Jennifer, then James, living with her for the past 9 years as they attended university. Although Bruce's mom went to be with the Lord almost 6 years ago, the kids still feel her presence and speak fondly of her often.

Grandma Young: for loving unconditionally, for always being excited about what your grandchildren did, no matter how small, for Sunday dinners and the second birthday parties every birthday, for being so strong and independent, for instilling a love for the family's Scottish heritage. ................ Thank You!

Nana Sears: for always being there, for being a "second mom", for truly living your faith, for opening your home to the kid's friends, for showing unconditional trust, for finding a way to ensure each one of your children (including in law children) and grandchildren feel special in their own right (no small feat with the size of our family), for the family recipe. .............. Thank You!

To each and everyone of you, I thank you for the people my children have become.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY EVERYONE!