Mothers’ Day!!! What an amazing day!  We get to celebrate the ones that gave us life, the ones that cared for us all our lives, or the ones that showed us how to live life!  Many of us are still lucky to have our mothers with us.  However, many of us have had to let our sweet mothers continue their journeys without us.  It does not matter—if they are with us or not—birthed us or not—we always need to respect these women for the great examples they are or were in our lives.  They gave themselves, so we could have a part of them in us.  My Em was a special woman who gave everything to me.  But I was also blessed with many other women that put their own little pieces of DNA into my life.  I am so blessed for this and wanted to celebrate their contributions.  I also want us to understand it is the legacy of these women that paved the way for so many women today.  They may have not organized a rally or testified in court, but they gave what gifts they were given with others around them.  Celebrate this Mothers’ Day all of the strong, beautiful women in your life.  They will know wherever they are on their journey and appreciate your love for them!

For The Mothers That Raised Me

They have all passed by now.

Their lives lived to the fullest by serving others.

My mothers include all types of women.

Each with their own unique awareness and gifts.

 

Em graced my life by providing a free but protected environment.

She encouraged taking risks.

She provided the physical and emotional needs I had.

Her love flowed over me like a blanket lies across a newborn baby.

Her love of flowers brought color to my world.

The textures and mediums she exposed me to showed me how to love the arts.

She was absolutely a leader for women in the professional work place.

A brilliant woman that worked with technology on its birth.

She showed me how to provide a loving home while still being a professional.

 

Then there was Ma Jones.

The one that spoiled me.

Whatever I might want, I was given.

But the wants always came with the work to get them.

She always showed me that hard work and diligence would bring good things.

The crust of the cornbread was always mine.

And her egg salad was always kept for me alone.

She taught me to respect the offering.

I learned from her that size does not matter in the strength of a woman.

 

Mama Hick was my hugger.

She provided safety for me and gave me freedom at the same time.

Just to snuggle right into her arms against her soft chest,

And with arms encircling me, I did not fear anything.

My curly head fit right under her chin where no one could touch me.

When things were wrong, my fit with her was always right.

She showed me that companionship is so important.

 

Then there was my doppelganger.

Or rather to say I was hers.

My Aunt Katie was the one all of us went to for the great recipes.

And she even built and supervised the building of parts that helped us explore space.

Her warm sense of humor made everyone comfortable.

She and I were Pisces together.

We were two peas in a pod.

We always understood each other in a quiet way.

Her faith was so strong that she always reminded me that prayer works.

 

Then to the woman that taught me how to really make sweet southern tea, Aunt Janice.

She said southern tea wasn’t tea without a half of lemon.

A little, thin lady that barely weighed 110 pounds.

She could straighten up a group of fighting boys in about 5 seconds flat.

She knew just when you needed a hug.

Her small arm would go around your shoulder and you just knew all would be ok.

She also led me to Elvis and that amazing sound!

I found out life is always better with a dance in your step.

 

Who was Louise Davis?

She was the mother that I called Ise.

A Native American goddess.

Cold black hair and beautiful dark skin.

Ise was my second mother to Em.

If I ever needed anything, I could just call Ise.

She, Em, and I would get into so much goofy, fun trouble!

She taught me to laugh and live.

Our junking days brought adventures.

Camping and lake days brought me into a whole new world with a new home.

She was the most courageous woman even to the end.

 

I could not forget my cousin, Irene Craig or better known as Rene.

She taught me the special ingredient to a great slaw was sesame seeds!

Nights at her house included getting baths, getting into pjs, and all of us piling onto the big bed.

Storytelling, tells of the family, tells of friends, ghost stories, and wise sage advice.

These were just a few of the things during this enjoyable time.

She taught me how to share history and how important family is.

 

One of the mothers I could never forget was Mrs. Nelle Wilson.

She and Walter lived in a log cabin surrounded by a country setting.

This mama showed me how a fashionable, professional lady can enjoy and love the outdoors.

She had a magic thumb for growing strawberries.

She taught me to pick them, prepare them, and how to eat them!

But she could do all of this while still sporting a pair of gloves and bracelets.

They looked like they came off the pages of Vogue!

She taught me that a gardener can still wear a variety of rings and still garden.

My love of herbal smells came from her.

She was my fashionista gardener!

 

All of my Mothers were so special in their own ways.

They are all celebrating their gifts with God now.

But their gifts will never be forgotten,

Because they have shared them with me, and I have shared with mine.

So–for all the Mothers that raised me, I give you a legacy that you all deserve!

Lori Rennae Hickman Chapman

I hope the reading today has also shown you that you may be raising women of your own and not even know it!  We always set examples of those around us.  Let’s be willing, strong women that show others what exceptional Moms are all about!  Happy Mothers Day my tribe of leaders!

Love,

Rennae

 

 

 

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