Happy Mother's Day to, first of all, my lovely mother! To my sweet Mother-In-Law, Janie, to all my girl friends and to me!
But, this blog isn't really about Mother's Day per se ...so much as about my step-daughter...Lauren. She is the most wonderful blessing to ever come into my life (besides her Dad!). I thank her mother so much for allowing me to have her in my life and to have the chance to watch her grow into the beautiful young woman she is now. The road hasn't always been bliss - it's been rocky, I won't lie, but the overwhelming point I always remember is how much she means to me...and, of course, to her daddy.
It happened that I met her when she was four years old. Her Dad and I picked her up to go out of town to his family lake house. She had never met any "woman" in her Dad's life except her mom so I was pretty apprehensive as to how it would all go.
As soon as she was in the car she wanted to sit in my lap and from there we spent the two hour drive playing games, putting on make up and generally being girls.
I was smitten. I was in love with this darling girl. After a rather tragically timed arrival (dead deer hanging in a tree), she stuck to me like glue. I was no happier about the dead animal situation than she was and opted for salad that night! Nonetheless, later as we tried to get her to go to sleep those big blue eyes just would not close so I scooped her up and took her outside. We watched the stars and the moon and I told her stories. She fell asleep on my chest and when I went back in the house I laid down in bed with her still sleeping on my chest and she slept that way all night. (I, on the other hand, didn't sleep a wink - but I could not have cared less!)
Oh, I have many, many memories of the 17 years I've watched this darling girl grow into this amazing young woman but that one is the clincher, the one that sealed the deal. I thank God every day that her mother is gracious enough to share her with me. I will forever consider her my daughter and the day she walked into my world changed me forever. I got to be a "Mom". The one thing I was told most of my life would "not be possible". (Well, except for the one psychic who told me all about her before she was even born but that is another story for another day!)
Lauren. One of the never ending and enduring loves of my life. Thank you for making "Mother's Day" something special to me...every year for 17 years and counting!
Random pictures through the years...
The very beautiful, grown up (and fun) Lauren Nicole Oliver.
And her "other" Mom....doing what we do when we are together. Have fun!
Because we are just silly that way.
Love you to the stars and the moon and back again, Lauren! Thanks for letting me be your other "Mom".
Love, spajunkie
So sweet! She's lucky to have a mom such as yourself.
Posted by: Cyndy | 05/11/2014 at 08:19 AM
And your "lovely Mom" would like to add that a wonderful blessing came into my life and grew into a smart, charming,and special best friend more years ago than either of us would like to admit, my daughter Danice! I only wish your Dad was here to see you now and meet Lauren.
I also remember meeting lovely Lauren and looking into the face of a precious blue-eyed little girl saying "Now what should I call you?" My reply was what would you like to call me? For a moment I saw the wheels of deep thought turning and then the reply "How about Grandma Bettye?"
Oh be still my heart the circle of life is complete!!!! How wonderful it has been to be Grandma Bettye and I look forward to many more wonderful years watching the growth of a precious young lady, my granddaughter Lauren!
Posted by: Bettye Mistrot | 05/14/2014 at 09:25 PM
Mommy! That is so lovely and sweet! I love you much!!
Posted by: Danice | 05/14/2014 at 09:39 PM