Sometimes that special woman in your life, that one that touches your life or became that mentor in your life, isn’t always your natural or bio mother. It can be anyone that you have deemed to take that special place or has impacted your life in a way that just stuck with you. You know what I mean I am sure. Those memories, those sayings that that special lady said that just seems to stay in the back of your mind all these years.

That special lady in my life unfortunately was not my mother. I know this is the case for many. The lady that impacted me so was a very special, petite and spunky, Katrina. From day one there was a special connection we two shared. She seemed to be that light in a very dark time in my life. Not that there weren’t many other very special other ladies. Tera, Kim, Sheila, Priscilla, Rosemary….also very special ladies that were there as well. Katrina though, she stepped up when others maybe didn’t know how, maybe weren’t able to, whatever the case, she was able to reach where other’s weren’t able to.

I grew up in a not so ideal situation. My bio mother, while I believe she did love me, just wasn’t able to be the best mother she could be. She had her addictions and her issues to deal with. As a child though, I did not understand any of this, nor did I even know. All I knew was it was dark! It hurt! Katrina was my light as a teen. She took me in and loved me! She never judged me and never, ever thought for a second that I would turn out like the hand that originally raised me like so many that had praised me and pushed me, did.

She pushed me to become ME! She was hard at times, yes. However, that is what stuck with me the most. And for that, I am truly thankful. She truly showed me what love was and in turn, what it wasn’t. When I made mistakes, she did not condemn me like so many were quick to do. When I cried, she held me. When I was angry, she allowed me to vent. When I was quiet, she let me think. When I was silly, she was silly with me. When I needed a mother, she was that mother. When I needed a friend, she was that best friend.

I will always remember some things she told me. Every day before dropping me off at school, she would tell me “Be beautiful!” It takes a great person to be beautiful. I really understood this as an adult and apply this to my life everyday now. Another thing she told me, “Nothing beats a failure but a try”. This has always stuck in my head. It pushes me when I am afraid to try new things.

Beyond her words, her actions showed me a lot of things that she could have never told me. She was and still is an amazing woman! I am forever thankful for her impact on my life.

Katrina, if you read this, I love you mom! You are an amazing woman! You are truly a beautiful woman! Thank you for giving me a chance when others simply saw her in me and nothing more. I cannot imagine how different my life may have been. Thank you for being my miracle!

Take time today to thank that special lady in your life, whether it is your mother, your step mom, your second mom, that teacher, that mentor. Let them know that they touched your life.

To all the mothers and special women out there who have impacted lives in a positive way, HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!