Moms I have known

Yes, Mother's Day is past, but I'm in LA to see my niece, who has a 4-year-old son and who is expecting her next baby in a few months, so I've got Mom on the mind.

My Mom passed away 2 years ago, and I still miss her pragmatic wisdom, her wit, and her grace with dealing with aging. I hope I've learned from her.

My oldest sister is a mom and she had a challenging time raising her daughters when she divorced her husband while they were still young. I give Sis kudos for taking a chance, moving away from home, and making a fresh start hundreds of miles away. It's hard to do, but it was the right move for her.

Both my nieces are moms now. The oldest niece became a mom when she was in her late 30s, which is late to start a family. But she waited until she found the right man, and her husband is a marvelous father and husband. My other niece, in LA, is equally blessed to have a man with her who dotes on his kid(s) and on her. It's a pity they have to live in LA (and they agree), but they're in the movie business, so they have to be there.

My middle sister and I don't have kids. She never married and she lives a very social life with friends and she's been a career woman all her life. I respect and admire her greatly. And I chose not to have children because I never wanted that responsibility and because, quite honestly, kids just don't interest me. I realized a long time ago that I make a much better aunt than a mom, and I've stuck to that all my life.

It's interesting how the role of Mom continues to evolve in today's world. I like to watch how my sister has eased into Grandma's shoes, reminding me of my mom when I saw her with my nieces. It's funny how we act grown up but inside we're still just the kid, looking to someone else for advice. Then one day we realize that, hey, we're the one giving advice!

Life's continuity ... it's a blessing, isn't it?

J L
30 books and counting ...