“There are all sorts of families in this world;” I tell my son. “Some kids have a mom and a dad. Some kids have only one parent. Some kids have two moms, or two dads, or stepparents, or grandparents, or some other combination of parents to raise them. There are all sorts of families in this world.”
My own mother died back in 2002. Like all families, our relationship had its ups and downs, but she was and always will be my mother. I miss my mother. As my son grows and matures, I think of her and our relationship. I’m a fortunate woman. Although my own mother is gone, I have been blessed with many women who have helped fill the hole that was left when my mother passed away. These women have loved me and given me their wisdom, passed down through the ages. They have given me their strength. I have laughed and cried with the women who’ve “adopted me” as their child, sister, and friend.
Today I would like to take the time to acknowledge these lovely ladies who’ve become a part of my life. Happy Mother’s Day!
JH
JULI HOFFMAN 