Brookey's Cafe Blog

TGIF!!!

Since I don't blog on weekends, and Sunday is Mother's Day, I thought I'd dedicate my blog today to my favorite mothers! I'm not talking about Claire Huxtable or Michelle Obama (even though she's awesome), but my dear friends who amaze me with their love, strength, patience and devotion everyday. Mothers mark some of the most precious moments of our childhood. They take care of us when we're sick, wipe our noses, kiss our boo-boos and hold our hands when we make mistakes or take wrong turns. They keep us safe, yet know when to let us go. She knows everything about us - our joys, sorrows, failures and triumphs. A mother's love is unconditional, undying, and unwavering. A mother's love is Divine.

I pay tribute to all mothers around the world - and through my favorite pics, I'll begin with...

Annamaria




Now I know what some of you may be saying, "She's not a mother...yet." But as step-mom to two beautiful children, she couldn't love them more than if she had birthed them herself. It takes a special woman to love someone else's children, and her love comes easily. And although her biological child hasn't been born yet, Annamaria is definitely a mother. She feels her daughter's heartbeat. Her blood runs through her veins. She is in rhythm with her movements, breathes as she breathes. They are one. She is already a mother, and I'm sure Annamaria will continue to guide her daughter through every movement in life, step by step. Happy First Mother's Day Annamaria!

Dana



Dana is my dear friend and my Godson Lee's mother. She is one of the most devoted mothers I know who extends herself naturally to give Lee the best of her very being. She brings peace and balance to his life, and I can see her influence in everything he does.



He's an amazing child - the perfect gift any mother could ask for. Her strong mind, and even stronger heart, is nurturing and guiding a special child who is going to be a force to be reckoned with in this world. She is amazing! Happy Mother's Day Dana!

Valerie

I've known Val since 1991, day one of our freshman year of college. She quickly became my best friend, my roommate and my sister. At 18 years old, you couldn't have told me that Val would be a stay-at-home mother. After all, she's driven, ambitious and is a successful lawyer who walks to the beat of her own drum. But 4 years ago, Val became mommy to Michael - born on her birthday.



Two years later - again...on her birthday - she gave birth to Luca..her second son.



Now, expecting her third son (this one gets his own birthday), Val is one of the most tireless, giving, loving mothers I know.



Although she stays busy with play-dates, soccer practice and trips to the library, Val stays fabulous! I've always thought Val was stunning, inside and out, and she continues to radiate as a mother. She knows how to take care of herself so that she has the very best of herself to give to her family. Striking that balance isn't easy, but she manages to do it all in great fashion...literally :) She is a positive force in her children's lives, and her sons are nothing short of geniuses. She's awesome! Happy Mother's Day Val!!

Denise



If you want to see God's presence in a person, you need not look any further than Denise. As my other best friend, I stand in awe of her. She found out she was expecting her third child the day after she buried her husband - her soul mate.



Challenges, pain, adversity, life's seasons - they all reveal us to our deeper self, the self we know in God. Rather than view her loss as an unjust universe or an uncaring God, she garnered strength from her family, friends and FAITH to become an even more amazing mother.



Even though her life has been transformed, she remains a compassionate survivor and a spiritual resource for her children...and for me. Her children thrive through her love, faith and guidance as well as Kevin's angelic spirit. She has Divine Power, and she honors it everyday as a mother, a friend and as a child of God. Having her in my life is a privilege because I feel that by embracing her as my friend, I am closer to God. Happy Mother's Day Denise!

Nicole

My sister. I remember when she was pregnant with Kyce.



She was in love with him from the moment of conception...and that love has only grown.



Ibrahim came 2 and a half years later. He was a surprise - not planned. She found out she was pregnant with him on Valentine's Day...a precious gift.



She's my younger sister, and for so long that's all I could see her as. But now, she's a mother first...a role she was meant to play. As my younger sister, she is someone I look up to. Not just as a mother, but as a person who gives of herself effortlessly.



Her soul runs as deep as the deepest oceans, her spirit expands without limit, her heart bursts with love. She is the master love giver, hand holder and truth teller. She can hand down discipline and give the best hugs all in one motion. She runs her house with her heart, and her love knows no bounds. I admire the mother she is and the woman she's become. If I ever become HALF the mother that she is, my child will be blessed for it. Kyce and Ibrahim are blessed to have come through her. She is so special, and I love you Nicole - Happy Mother's Day!

MY MOTHER!



Lastly, but most certainly not least, I have to give honor to the woman who gave me life. The ultimate reality is if it wasn't for her, I wouldn't be here. She carried me, breathed for me, birthed me, raised me and most importantly - loved me....unconditionally, my entire life. She encouraged me. She told me I could do anything. She gave me wings. She allowed me to fly. She caught me when I fell. She told me to get back up. She listens to me. She worries about me. She cheers me on. She prays for me. She is my other self. She has made me into the woman I am today.



Now, as a grandmother, she receives the highest reward of looking at the fruit of her labor. They love "Nana" simply because she exists. They run and jump into her arms...and it just doesn't get any better than that. They find shelter in the same love that sheltered us growing up, and to see the love she gives to them in all it's glory magnifies my love and respect for her. She is my mother, and I feel so loved, blessed and highly favored that God created her just for us. I love you mommy! Happy Mother's Day!

If you are a mother reading this, have a wonderful, blessed Mother's Day. Tell your mother(s) you love them on Sunday and let them know how appreciated they are every day!

Have a great weekend!

-b