Unplanned Blessings: My Journey into Motherhood

People who knew me before Evan can't believe it. They can't believe I'm a mom. They can't believe some of the things I do now. And honestly, neither can I. 

Before Evan, I enjoyed seeing other people with their kids, but I never imagined myself as a mom. Now that I am, I can't help but wonder what took me so long. I’ve discovered I’m capable of everything I ever needed, even things I didn’t know I wanted.

I had the best role models. Both my grandmothers were incredible. They had green thumbs, cooked without recipes, and everything seemed to come naturally to them. But I’m sure it took years of practice to perfect their skills.

My dad was always surprised that I didn’t know how to cook. I was always in the kitchen with my paternal grandmother, but cooking wasn’t my thing. Over time, though, I've come to realize that I've inherited many of their qualities.

Both my grandmothers were creative in their own unique ways. My maternal grandmother could transform anything into something beautiful, like the Martha Stewart of our family. Though she often showcased her creativity indoors, she also spent time outside. My paternal grandmother grew blackberries, plums, and pomegranates and used them in her cooking. Now, when I watch HGTV, I can totally see her being on one of those shows.

Despite her constant fatigue—her catchphrase was "I'm so tired", my paternal grandmother never stopped. However with my maternal grandmother, a stroke appeared to be the catalyst in slowing her down, but not completely. They were unstoppable forces, and I'm proud to have inherited their creativity and determination.

And while I see so much of my grandmothers in myself, there are also qualities in my mom that I admire. Even though my brother and I are grown, she never stops working, never stops helping, never stops praying, or never stops giving her opinion! Ha! She just never stops.

I see those qualities in myself now, especially when I'm creating things with Evan. When he was younger, I never imagined I'd be doing some of the things I do now. But my creativity shines through when I'm helping him with school projects, organizing his gaming setup, or assisting with splicing his videos and making logos. My creativity truly comes in handy.

I never want to stop being supportive of my son. He's at an age now where he notices when other kids don't have the support at home that he receives from me. That recognition means the world to me.

I don't need extravagant accolades—his gratitude, even when he doesn't realize he's expressing it, is priceless. I can't imagine having a child other than Evan. He wasn't planned, and I certainly wouldn't plan for a second, but he's given me everything: the wherewithal, the truth wrapped in growth spurts, and a personality full of yelling and screaming. And I'm so appreciative, honored, and blessed to be his mom.

Happy Mother's Day!

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