Happy Mother’s Day to the many mothers in my life.

Freida Myers photo by Britanie Myers Photography

Freida Myers–Happy Mother’s Day, Mom!

“Who can find a virtuous woman, for her price is far above rubies.” Proverbs 31

There have been many virtuous women in my life who have mothered me in some way.

Today, I honor mothers in all their many forms. Those who became mothers by having children, those who fostered or adopted, those who married into motherhood or ended up raising their grandchildren, and to the many who mother by nurturing the children of others, I honor you. As I share a list of mothers in my life, I hope you’ll find glimmers of yourself and memories of the many women, and maybe even men, who have mothered you.

I honor Patty Rhoades, my YW leader, for listening when I needed someone outside my home to talk with, for helping me understand that imperfect is still okay, and that the direction I’m headed is far more important than where I currently am.

I honor Ethelyn Dwigans, the mother of a friend, who always offered me a warm hug and a smile.

I honor Dorie Maxwell, my high school English teacher, who taught me the joys of literature and the worth of work well done.

I honor my high school friend, Deidre, who held my hand when I was sad, and taught me to hold my head high, even amid sorrow or pain. She has no children of her own, but has mothered hundreds.

I honor Linda Springer, my choir teacher, who taught me to give new things a chance, and then filled me with a passion for music and dance.

I honor my step-mother, Joyce Markle, who met me as a teen and loved me anyway. I honor her tenderness and steady friendship.

I honor my mother-in-law, Tessie, who taught my husband to love the gospel and be strong and be silly and love the outdoors.

I honor my Omama, who watched over me and my sister during one of the toughest times of our lives, and who taught me to love Stille Nacht, Austrian pastries, berries, and games of cards and dice.

I honor my Grandma, who shared late nights of laughter with me, and taught me to make rootbeer popsicles and to eat pickles with spaghetti.

I honor Mildred Sheetz, who mothered my Amanda when I was so swamped with small children that I simply couldn’t do it all.

I honor my Dad, who had to play Mom, too, every summer when I came to visit.

I honor my own Mom, who gave me the glorious gift of unconditional love, supporting me in everything I tried.

To those in this list and the many others I haven’t mentioned–thank you and Happy Mother’s Day!

 

Who are some of the women who have influenced your life?