Boss Moms

Mother, Mama, Mommy, Mom, Madre, Ma these are all words used to describe a significant force in our lives. Step- moms, adoptive moms, foster moms, bonus moms are all important as well. Mothers are strong, capable and usually the backbone of the family, they help when we need them, they support us and are our number one fans. Some people grow up with one influential boss mom, I grew up with many. Three in particular that helped mold me into who I am with lessons they taught me.

Great Grandma Kiger lives in Ohio and I first meet her when I was little, she lived far away so I couldn’t visit much. She taught me about adventure and to be adventurous while also teaching me to respect nature. She lived in a two story house with a creepy basement and at the time I hadn’t seen a house that like before. I was afraid of the basement at first but she encouraged me and made a game, an adventure out of going down to it. Her laundry room was down in the basement and during our visit I decided to help not knowing about creepiness of the basement. She told me not to be afraid that it was just another room in the house and the noises are from the washing machine, so we crept down she challenged me to a race to see who could make it down the stairs first. I was a kid so of course I wanted to win; looking back I realized what she did for me. We went for walks through the trails around her house and saw a cavern and creeks, Great Grandma taught me to try something new or try to. She also taught me about independence, to this day Great Grandma lives by herself and does stuff for herself, like drive, shop, garden, clean, etc. Great Grandma is 106 years old and still thriving; she sends birthday cards every year.

Grandma Joann taught me the most I would say; she was my Grandma and my friend. She taught me about family, love, laughter and how to make a great tasting cake and peach cheesecake pie. Grandma taught me about family and love, she wasn’t my biological grandmother, but she didn’t treat me any different. She was more of a grandmother than my other one. Grandma always brought the family together and not just for holidays. Her house was always inviting and she always made sure to have food for everyone and that everyone was included. Grandma Joann was a great crafty and maker of tasty treats, so she taught me patience. While making a sweater or blanket she would have to have patience if the yarn or sewing machine wasn’t cooperating. Patience was a key ingredient while baking or making treats, sometimes they wouldn’t turn out right so we would try again. She taught me how to be calm and focused in the moment too, I would get frustrated when trying a new recipe and she would tell me to calm my mind and focus. If it didn’t turn out we could try again. Grandma also taught me to be kind and giving. Grandma Joann was very kind hearted; she did a lot for others and inspired others too. She would make blankets for hospitals, hats for babies at hospitals and blankets for veterans. She even got a group of other crafters together to make blankets together, and the group grew and soon they were able to provide over 100 blankets to the hospitals. My Grandma taught me to have faith and to always laugh even if the situation is bad and you are feeling down. Even when she was diagnosed with breast cancer, she didn’t let it get her down. She was always laughing through it, claimed she needed a hair cut anyway. When it was time to get it removed she would laugh and say well at least I can get some decent sleep. Through it all her faith didn’t waver, there were some tough times but she knew she would make it through. Grandma taught me about strength not only for yourself but for the people you care about. Sadly Grandma Joann passed away almost two years ago, but her memories, love and lessons continue on.

My Mother Angela taught me to follow my dreams no matter the hardships or naysayers. Mother was a young mom and even with a new baby on her hip she got her high school diploma. Later on, while working a full time job and being a mother to five children, she went back to school and got her a nursing degree. Against all odds, many late nights and so called friends telling her to give up she is currently a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). She taught me to never give up on what I believe in or what I want in life. Mother taught me that being outspoken is better than being walked on, that faith is better than fear and that it is okay to rely on yourself but also rely on other people.

So to all the boss moms out there, keep thriving, living your life and being a bad ass.