Aunt Pat & Aunt Bonnie

My sister, my mom, and my Grandmother have all pasted away. My niece, Nia, is getting married at the end of May and I am so grateful to my Aunts, Pat & Bonnie, for stepping in to help me with Nia’s wedding plans as we are the closest people to a mother role that she has in her life now. My sister passed away when Nia was only 5 1/2 years old, too young to barely remember her. Then in more recent years my Grandmother and my own mom have passed. I was anxious for my niece when she announced her engagement last year because I wondered how I could possibly fill the void of those who have passed that would naturally/usually be the ones to guide, support, encourage, and celebrate such a momentous day with her. My mom’s two sisters have stepped in and stepped up in ways that I couldn’t have even imagined! Because of their help, my niece is sure to have the wedding day she deserves and hopes for. This reminds me that not all mom’s fall into the traditional category, but we should all take time, especially on Mother’s Day, to thank the women in our lives who have stepped into a role of nurturing and guidance, support and encouragement in our lives! I’m forever grateful to those who have done so in mine!