My niece posted a picture of her and my mom today, my niece has grown up far beyond what my mind can comprehend and my mom is glowing holding her newest grandbaby - Great Grandbaby actually. Three parts of Four Generations, captured. This picture, a grandmother so proud of her tiny little great-grandson, a woman who fought tooth and nail to raise five children alone, and a beautiful young woman just starting her journey as a mother, a person who is braver than anyone gave her credit for, and who we are more proud of than she knows. Tears instantly met my eyes and I thought to myself "I bet she doesn't even know." Because mama is far too humble to give herself credit for what she has done.
I bet she doesn't know the beauty all of us witness when we see her hold our babies. We get to watch this woman that we all had guide us and love us through the good times and bad, now share those loving moments with our children. I can almost guarantee my mom doesn't know the mark she is making on this world. Mama is a fighter, she is strong and sure. She is all of the things we want to teach our daughters to be, and our sons to love. She learned to do things on her own, to be strong when she wanted to give up and she has shown me that on the other side of all turmoil and pain you can still show love.
Mama is like the ripple of a raindrop in the sea. Her hugs will turn your day around and you will be sharing that love with others, spreading it into bigger and bigger waves. There is a reason each of us says "If you're going by Eddies Corner, stop and give my mom a hug." Partially because we are likely missing her like crazy and that makes us feel closer to her, but because a hug from mama will get you through anything (and she'll probably give you an ice cream cone).
My mother has changed lives, and I bet she doesn't even know. The conversations and advice she offers, the caring note or calls when she knows someone needs an extra nudge of support. The simple act of showing up makes her a "mama" to everyone.
I bet she doesn't see the beauty we see in the perfect smile lines her face exudes, she'd call it aging; but we see the lines left by happiness and smiles we all shared. Despite the heartache, my mom has shown grace in the ability to smile through it. She has taught us all that. I bet she doesn't know how much the world loves her. Because of her, her strength, and her grit, she gave us the desire to be mothers. That all these sweet babies she loves to love so much - started with her. I bet she doesn't know, just how wonderful she is.
Mama, I am so lucky to be your daughter. My kids are so lucky to have you as a grandmother and the world is so damn lucky to have you in it. Thank you for showing me the way. You may not know it, and you would likely never admit it, but you make this world a more beautiful place. I love you so much.
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