Madison, Molly and PeytonI'm thinking today of all the mothers I've known in my life. I am so grateful for all of them. They have all touched my life in many different ways. I have spent a lot of time today thinking in particular of Therese and Nancy. I guess that's natural, seeing that they've been gone from our lives for a few years now. Nancy (who was not a mother in the biological sense) was a dear friend, mentor and disciple who gifted me with many special things. One of her most endearing gifts was the love and acceptance she gave to my children. She nurtured Kate through her confirmation year. Her advice, love and guidance helped shape Kate into the young woman she is today. Therese left behind two wonderful young women, her daughters, Peyton and Madison. They have been friends of my girls since Peyton and Molly have been in first grade. Therese was a wonderful mother. She adored Molly (and Kate too) and they spent many happy hours at her house and playing in her big yard. Toward the end of her life, we would all sit together and paint toenails and drink Starbucks and talk of every wonder in the world. Therese had a wonderful, vulnerable spirit that I have yet to see in another person. Therese and Nancy were taken too soon from this life. I wish they could be here now to watch these amazing and wonderful girls they helped bring into life. I know that deep in their hearts Molly and Kate will always hold a piece of these two incredible women. We are blessed for having their witness in our lives. I love and miss them both. Happy Mother's Day.
