Dear Mom,

From you, I've learned the value of a strong work ethic, tenacity, and the importance of leading with a warm smile.  From you, I've learned the value of cultivating lifelong friendships and nurturing those friendships with love and care. From you, I've learned when to let things go that aren't important in the scheme of life and that you can never please everyone.

From you, I've learned to enjoy the indulgence of a Belgian chocolate, a fine pair of Italian leather shoes, freshly cut flowers, and a strong cup of coffee, with cream, in the morning. From you, I have seen the life-altering power of faith, generosity, living with integrity, having a signature perfume and 'keeping it classy'.

From you, I learned of the mind-expanding benefits of travel, the essential nature of curiosity and that the devil is in the details. I've also learned the importance of feathering a comfortable nest and placing fresh-cut flowers bedside for family members and house guests. From you, I've learned the importance of celebrating, entertaining, and the fine art of throwing a party!!

From you, I've learned about courage. From moving to Hawaii at the young age of 19 to teach school, to taking out a rattlesnake, with a shovel, to protect us at our house in Loomis. WOW! I've learned about courage from you in that after your own losses you chose to adopt 2 baby girls, Heidi and me, and create a wonderful family life for all of us.

I learned more about grace and courage from your strength through dad's illness and passing, to embracing life and new love, years later, with Hal.

From you, I'm learning to ask for what I need and WAIT for the response, rather than acquiesce away from what I deserve (remember that hotel scene in Paris?).

From you, I've learned to live life to the fullest each day, be grateful for all that we have and look towards an even brighter future ahead.

I'm looking forward to celebrating YOU with Heidi and the family this weekend. 

Love you dearly,

Heather

PS - I will never create a bouquet like you do, from flowers grown in your perfectly manicured garden, and I always love to see your colorful creations.

On another note, this will be the first Mother's Day with our grandson, Charlie, in the family. Happy first Mother's Day to his beautiful, fun loving and generous mom, Briana. Charlie is the best gift Gigi and Grandpa have ever received. xx

Charlie on StyleMindChic (my personal Instagram) 

To my dear birth mom, Marcia, and sister, Dorie, I'm sending hugs and special Mother's Day wishes to you both.

Not all of us who mother actually gave birth. There are many ways to be family. To ALL who mother children, step-children, grandchildren, foster children and more, wishing you a Happy Mother's Day!

(This post was originally posted on Mother's Day 2017 on Style*Mind*Chic and updated for Curated Travel blog)