On Mother's Day

If you've been reading here for a bit, you know that I don't have a mom. She died when I was 19 in a very sudden and horrible accident. Losing her so suddenly has certainly shaped the course of my life. 

My twink. My momma. THANKS FOR THE NOSE, MOM. 

Anyone who knew her will tell you I am her clone in every sense of the word. From the way I look (her twin), my laugh (noted, here), my expressions, and the way I talk is exactly like her. I've never been one of those people who was afraid of becoming their mother--mine was pretty awesome and to be one third of the woman she was would be quite an achievement for me. 

I hope and pray daily that I am living a life she would be proud of. 

Even without my madre, I have some awesome mom folk in my life:

I have an amazing stepmom who I adore, who rocks my socks and gave me my mini sis. 

Stepmomma and me on her birthday 2011

Last year, my best friend, Sara became a mom. 

My favorite picture ever!

Oh lord, y'all, I can't talk about her and Mac without crying. She is my rock. She's been by my side for several years now and I honestly can't remember my life without her. She has been there for some of my best moments (meeting Hugh), and some of my lowest. She has never failed to make me laugh, or to answer the phone when I am a hysterical mess. She has supported me forever and always. I have no freaking clue what I did to deserve her, but, I am hoping no one ever figures out I'm not worthy of her friendship, I want to keep her around! We have the most fun together and she gets me in a way very few do.

When she had Mac last year, I was a mess. She called to tell me she was in labor and I basically cried all day. She waited so long for him and y'all should have seen me telling everyone in NYC that my best friend was pregnant! Hilarious. I love that kiddo more than I could even tell you. He is her clone in every sense of the word, which means, I adore him. 

Watching her as a mom has been such a great joy for me as a friend. She's a brilliant mother and I can't wait to learn from her when I eventually have my own children.

Another amazing mother is my Dallas bestie gal, Ro. 

Musical theatre sisters

Our meeting was very happenstance and I fully believe God gave me her because He knew I'd need her. She is a redheaded London educated, soprano singing, daughter raising goddess. She is my sister. My angel of music. She gave me my voice. The woman who protected me when I needed it, who stood for me when I could not stand for myself and who loved me when I could not even like myself. 

I took her Mother's Day gift to her the other day and she argued with me about it for a few minutes until I burst into tears telling her to take the damn gift because I could never repay her for what she's given to me. I could never do enough to show her what her friendship and her family has meant to me these last 18 months. I thank God for her daily--I pray He doesn't realize I'm not worthy of her either! 

My sister. 

Drowned rats in Central Park. Worst picture, but we agree it's our most "us". And, our favorite candid of us ever. 

Oh, my sister. My soul mate. My other half. I'm convinced I don't need a male other half, because she completes me. She gave me my nieces, the pride and joy of my life. She has raised two amazing daughters, and has shown me what it is like to love through the good times and bad. This woman has been there and protected me when I needed it the most--when I didn't think I did, but, she knew better than me. I'll never forget the day after my mom died--I had to go into work with my dad and my sister just grabbed me, took me in her office and hid me from everyone. She continues to do just that. I'm amazed at her devotion and dedication to me, this little wretched soul. I am too blessed. 

My longtime bestie, Amy. She's mommy to a wee little half Aussie, half Texan bundle of sweetness. She makes me laugh, makes me cry, has grown up with me and shared the hard times and the good. She's an amazing mother and equally amazing friend. 

And, my Maine girls. 

I love them more than I could ever say. Sarah has sweet little Ty, who calls me "Aunt Owwie" and Danielle is a momma to be. They too, have given me more than I could ever return. My heart is so full when I am with them!

Thank you to all these women for being my friends, for showing me such great examples of womanhood, of strength, and of love. I hope I can eventually repay you for what you've given me, although, unless Warren Buffet leaves me his entire legacy, I think I will fall short. But, I love you. 

Happy Mother's Day to all you lovely momma ladies out there, I hope the day is as fabulous as you!

xoxo