Moms Celebrating Moms: Handprints on Our Heart

I have been blessed with not only a kind and loving mother and grandmothers, but many women who have inspired me and have impacted my family. While we have not lived near grandparents or extended family, there are women who have been on our life’s path, who had no children, but ‘adopted’ our family. They have loved, supported, and cared for us in their own unique way.

How did these women share their love with us? It is astonishing how simple actions can make a family feel loved and accepted. They always had a greeting and hug at church and they doted on our little girls. I loved seeing my girls getting some lovin’ and hugs from sweet ladies since their grandparents lived away. When we needed a night out they watched our girls so we could grab a dinner and movie. They made home-made rosemary bread for us. They opened their home to sleep overs which included movies, home-made cookies, hot chocolate, and a cozy feather bed. When I had my tonsils removed (at 30 years of age and my girls 6 and 8) meals were delivered to our home. They shared hugs, cards, and words of encouragement when we were down or overwhelmed.

These women inspire me because they noticed, cared, and acted. They took time to share their love in their own personal way. They didn’t hike through mountains or donate a kidney for us. And we applaud those who do! But through their actions, they left their handprints on our hearts and we are better people because of them.

Was this one woman? No. They were special ladies who used their talent, their specialty. What gift do you have to share with others? Is it time, an encouraging word, compassion and understanding, cooking, cleaning, coloring, a good kids movie collection, the ability to play catch, or bake cookies? Whatever your gift is, take the time to share it with the little people and young parents in your life. Leave your handprints on someone else’s heart as our sweet friends did ours.