This week Riley and Jack got a new cousin. Seeing them hold the new little one was a sharp reminder of how quickly they’re growing. Already they’re big: in size, in abilities, in age.

Like my two, Riley and Jack are precious to me, children of my daughter and my heart.

Though I know etiquette dictates a mother’s day gift is in order, to be honest, I’ve already had all the gifts, and more, I could desire.

I’m the one who’s thankful.

Mothering has been mostly joyful. And if I’ve tried hard to be a good at it, I’ve had good material to work with.

For that I’m grateful.

I had a good teacher. My mother has been an unfailing source of support and encouragement. She has hoped for me and mine, and she has listened with her heart.

No life is perfect, mine is no exception. But when I count my blessings, the thread of mothering that runs through the generations is one of the gifts most precious. I’ve had the gift of a good mother, and I’ve found joy in my own experience of mothering.

And who could ask for more, on Mother’s Day?

“I’m blessed and I couldn’t be more grateful. Do you want to know why? Because I’m a mother, but that’s only half of it. I’m blessed because, when I need to, I can still just be a daughter. I get the feeling that there is nothing more precious than to have both of these roles, simultaneously.”
― Adrianna Stepiano