Yesterday was Mother’s Day—a day to celebrate the women who gave us life, the ones who raised us (whether biological or not), fur mommies, grandmothers, great-grandmothers, and even fathers who have held both roles as single dads.
Personally, I think we should show appreciation for mothers, fathers, and grandparents every day—which is one reason I didn’t rush to get this posted yesterday.
I was primarily raised by my great-grandmother and grandmother, though I spent time with my mother and stepmother as well. Each of them influenced my life in different ways.
My mother, of course, gave me life—but she also gave me a love for animals, nature, singing, and drawing. She loved to draw horses and was very good at it. Her animals always came first, and she truly appreciated nature. I didn’t live with her very much, but when I did—it was always… interesting.
My stepmom showed me that you don’t have to be blood-related to be accepted and loved as family. When my dad took custody of me, he told her, “This is my daughter; she is coming to live with us—like it or not.” She didn’t show any resentment, and if she had any, it was never in front of me. She accepted me and treated me as her own.
There was a time when I distanced myself from my dad, and the one who hurt the most during that time… was my stepmom. I later found out she missed me more than he did. We had our ups and downs—as parents and kids do—but she was truly an amazing person.
My grandmother was a quieter soul. She didn’t openly share her feelings, but she showed love in her own ways. As a teenager, she took me to some of my first concerts—Elvis, Bay City Rollers, Donny and Marie (yes, I just dated myself!), and we had so much fun.
She also unknowingly took me to my first “kind of spicy” movie. I wanted to see Saturday Night Fever with John Travolta, but I needed an adult to go with me. She agreed. Luckily for me, during the spicy part… she went to the bathroom. 😂
One of the most important things she did was step in—alongside my great-grandmother—during a difficult transition between parents. They chose to take on a teenager and not for a short amount of time either… years. Brave women.
There were summers when I went to work with her, helping where I could. Those were some of my favorite memories. Even when we had to take two or three buses and leave hours early—I loved every moment I spent with my grandmother. She was a quiet, subtle influence.
Last but not least… my great-grandmother.
She is still the voice I hear when I’m trying to make a difficult decision—especially one that might not align with others’ expectations. She was wise and surprisingly open-minded for her time. She and my great-grandfather saved my life at birth, as a toddler, and in various other ways. But those are stories for another time.
As a teenager, I read voraciously—magazines, newspapers, books (some I probably shouldn’t have). She would read women’s magazines with… let’s just say interesting stories—and when she finished them, she would pass them along to me. I would do the same with interesting books I found.
Once, when I was around 18, I was asked to model. The photographer asked if I would consider doing nude photos and submitting them to men’s magazines. I asked my great-grandmother what she thought.
I will never forget her response:
“If I had a body like yours, I might. But if you do this, can you look yourself in the mirror—into your own eyes—and still be okay with yourself? If you can’t… don’t do it. Only you can make that decision.”
Needless to say, I did not pose nude. The possibility of that affecting me later in life stopped me.
Ask me now… I might! LOL (only because no one would want me to now 😂).
She was a strong, wise influence in my life, and I can only hope she knew how much she meant to me.
If you have someone in your life who has made a positive impact—tell them. Let them know what they mean to you.
Don’t wait until it’s too late.
Sadly, my stepmom is the only one I was able to truly express that to. I can only hope my actions have spoken for me with the others.
Here is a list of women (sticking with the Mother’s Day theme) who are a positive influence in my life today:
Katherine L – sister
Gabby – niece
Mary D – one of my besties
Norma S – one of my besties
Christina S – one of my besties
Shana T – one of my besties
Jill S – professor and friend
Serenity – a supportive friend in my art and writing journey
And honestly… all of you are important to me in one way or another. Thank you for reading my blogs, my books, and for being part of my journey.
Now, one last thought—and it is a sad one (apologies for the heavier ending).
On Thursday, May 7th, my youngest senior dog had to be put down.
He was in pain, and while it was expected in some ways, it still felt sudden. He was the youngest of my four, around 10 years old. I honestly thought my oldest—over 20, blind, deaf, and nearing that time—would be the first to go. But not my Dobby.
He had a tumor on his chest that must have started pressing on his heart and lungs. Wednesday morning, he was fine—playing and acting normal. But by that night, he didn’t want to walk.
It took two of us to carry him inside using a makeshift stretcher (a blanket), and again the next morning to get him into the car for the vet. They brought a stretcher out for him there as well.
The vet knew almost immediately. After confirming, he told us there was fluid in Dobby’s lungs, and there was no way to make him better.
We stayed with him through the entire process—and afterward.
Because of the fluid, it took a little longer for the medication to take effect, and I started to panic. But the vet reassured me—it was normal, and Dobby wasn’t suffering.
Within moments… he was gone.
I have been there for four of my fur babies as they crossed the rainbow bridge, and I will continue to be there—always, if I am able.
They give us so much of themselves. Being there for them in their final moments is one way we can give back the love and respect they deserve.
Please don’t let your fur babies pass alone in a cold room with strangers. Be there for them, just as they have been there for you.
Thank you all for being here.
Fill your week with hugs, love, laughter, and blessings.
And if you have a pet—even a spider—give them a little extra love from me.
Till later… 💛
My beautiful Dobby boy! I miss you tremendously and the house is now too quiet my little talker. 😭https://www.facebook.com/share/p/14gYrK5Mtx7/
