Those "Other" Mothers

I have been super blessed to have had "other" moms throughout my life that have helped mold and form me into the woman I am today. You know these women, they are the ones not related to you by "blood" but rather related by love!  One of those "moms" was actually my own mom's best friend.   Her name was Mary Ann.  She was never able to have children of her own and she kind of "adopted" my brother, sister and I.  Mary Ann and her husband, Harold, lived right next door to my family growing up and I spent quite a bit of time at their house.  I love to bake (as I've mentioned many times in my blog) and so did Mary Ann.  She was known for her amazing, "Mary Ann's Chocolate Cake."  She also made the most incredible cookies with cream cheese.  I am lucky enough to have both recipes in my recipe collection. When she and her hubby moved to Iowa, I visited her a handful of times. Sadly, both Mary Ann and her husband have both passed on, but they are never far from my thoughts. This is from quite awhile ago, hence the bad perm and big glasses, but I still love this picture!!  

Another "mom" that was very special to me was my mother-in-law.  This is the second Mother's Day that I have not had her with me and I still think of her often.  My husband was her only child and sometimes she and I would have our moments with each other, but by and large she and I had a pretty good relationship.  Her name was Cecelia, but I don't think I ever called her that.  My stepson's nickname for her was "Umba" because I think he couldn't say Grandma when he was little.  Towards the last couple years of her life, she told me she really didn't like that name anymore, so we started calling her "Momma."

Last, but definitely not least, my third "mom" has to be "Auntie."  She was married to my mom's brother.  She and I have forged an incredibly close relationship for which I am thankful for all the time.  My "Auntie" loves my family and is always willing to let me go on and on talking about them (which with my big yap can sometimes be a  long time)!!! I can be 100% myself with her (she has known me since I was in diapers).

She has had to deal with a lot of loss in her life, but she keeps on "plugging" along. She has to be one of the strongest women I know.  Her daughter (my cousin) passed away a little over a year ago.   That truly has to be one of the hardest things a mom can go through.  She and I are so "busy" that we have to plan out our phone calls about a week ahead of time.  I adore her and love her with all of my heart.  If you are lucky enough to have one or more of those "other" moms in your life, tell them how much you love and appreciate them, ALOT!