The Art of Mothering

moth·er/ˈməT͟Hər/

Verb: Bring up (a child) with care and affection: "the art of mothering".

Mother's Day is generally reserved for mothers that gave birth to children, but I've come to realize in the last couple of years that a mother can be anyone who possesses those general "mothering" qualities, and that cares for others as she would care for children. Below I have detailed the mothers in my life who have made an impact on me.

My sisters: I have three older sisters and my first niece was born when I was 5 years old, so they were more little sisters to me than nieces. I was a built in babysitter from the age of eleven, and took part in disciplining and caring for them. They have become beautiful kids, all seven of them, thanks in big part to my sisters, who have brought them up with poise, care and love. They are the smartest kids I know, and I am proud to call them family :)
                                               My sisters, me and my Mom (in the middle)

Adam's aunts and sister: Adam's mother passed away when he was young and over the years he spent time with various aunts and his sister. These women helped make him kind, sensitive, sweet, and loving. They all cared for Adam when he needed them; he lived with a few of them during various times in his life. They weren't his natural mothers, but they opened their hearts and homes to him.
                                                    Adam and his wonderful sister Cara

I really admire my friend Jacque for her mothering skills. She had baby Madelyn about a year and a half ago and she is the happiest baby I know. Most mothers enjoy being with their children, but Jacque takes it to a whole new level. I can usually control my baby instincts, but when I'm around Madelyn, I want a baby just like her. She's smart and sweet and so affectionate- because Jacque is. She spends time with her, makes her own baby food, just generally is happy and excited to be a mother. I want to be just like her when I have a baby Laylan.
                                                            Jacque and baby Maddie

And lastly, I am not a mother to children but I am a mother to two wonderful dogs, Roxy and Cora. We adopted Roxy in Feb 2010 and in July 2010 got her a friend, Trixie. In December 2010, tragedy struck our family. Roxy and Trixie escaped and Trixie passed away, and Roxy's hip was crushed. Two surgeries later, Roxy was a three legged dog. We nursed her back to health, taking her out to the bathroom on a leash, making sure she had her pain medicine and lifting her 60 lb body onto the bed so that she could sleep near us. She has inspired us with the resolve and a "can-do" attitude. Sometimes she falls, but she has learned how to live her life as a three legged dog and nothing can stop her.
                                                                        Roxy and Trixie

In March we adopted Cora from an animal shelter. The first day, she loved Roxy but wouldn't show any type of affection toward us. We gave her a chance and brought her home, where she lay on the couch, almost lifeless, for 2 days. When we let her out to potty, she hid under the deck for 4 hours, shivering. I didn't have faith, I thought she needed to be returned to the shelter. Adam asked to keep her one more night. That night, she blossomed. She is the sweetest, loving dog that we could ask for to be a friend to Roxy. They play constantly, wrestle, groom each other, and were instant best friends. They really are my children.

Roxy, a 3 legged dog, and Cora

Happy Mother's Day, whether you're a furmother, a child's mother, a surrogate mother, or any other "mother"!