No Two Are Alike

Life for me has been consumed by countless days of children. Multitudes! Seven siblings, endless sitting jobs, 36 years of helping to educate young minds, and the list goes on. Patience, endurance, advice. Given by the bushel, received just as well. 

Recently I was asked, “What is your best advice when it comes to raising children?” Given my life experiences, the expert answer was on the tip of my tongue. 

Oh wait, I had no quick fix of advice. Every child was as different as their name. My varied experiences with all ages, sizes, and temperaments had not allowed just one common hint of guidance. So many personalities and events providing the groundwork for a myriad of counsel and thoughts.  

Time to take a long look at those many adventures of forming and building young minds and hearts. I’ll begin with the two most important humans in my life…

The gift of life twice! Yes, I was blessed to have the pleasures of raising two lovely, empowered daughters. Jennifer and Alison have given me years of joy with a few days of challenge sprinkled here and there. All in all, the pride I carry for this dynamic duo is oftentimes overwhelming. Advice has been seasoned with love all along their path to adulthood. Let’s take a gander.

First and foremost was the birth of exceptional daughter number one, Jennifer Lyn. Born in 1978, I did not have the pleasures of ultrasound, epidurals, and Pampers.  As a result, Jenn was overdue by a few weeks, weighed in at just under nine pounds, and greeted my unmedicated world with a wink and smile. God had rewarded my hours of pain and labor! I was immediately in love!

Returning home with our bundle of goodness, Jennifer continued to awe and inspire. She slept through the night (such a lofty goal we new parents set) within a week, took long naps daily, and seemed to have a true sense of contentment. Life couldn’t be better!

As Jenn grew, so too, did I. We were the best of allies. We traveled, played and grew together. Planting gardens, picking berries, searching graveyards for history, and locating those precious Petoskey Stones just to name a few. Great memories for Jenn, priceless for this blessed momma.

Motherly advice was sprinkled, planted and gathered:

1. “It doesn’t cost anything to be polite.”
2. “Always remember, you have wings to fly. Be whatever you crave, go wherever you desire, because YOU can. Just fly.”
3. “You are climbing a steep mountain. When you get to the top, you will jump over to climb an even higher one. You’ve got this.”
4. “Don’t ever let your head get bigger than your shoulders can support.”
5. “These are choices he is making. You are stronger than you think.”
6. “Do the right thing, because it’s the right thing to do.”

Today, Jenn and I continue a strong bond of mutual trust, respect, and love. I do not hesitate to seek her advice when troubled or short on cognition. She is educated, compassionate, driven and ever evolving. As a momma-llama, Jenn lives each day as a passionate champion of her three kidlets. I couldn’t be more honored or blessed. Yes, God continues his goodness in my bountiful garden.

Second to grace our lives as a family was sweet, exceptional Alison Marie. Born seven years following Jennifer, Miss Ali was easily welcomed and loved by three sets of open arms and hearts. Born nearly two weeks early she debuted full-bodied and lively with less than two hours of labor. At just over seven pounds, Alison assumed the energy that Jenn did not seem to possess (all in a good way!). She loved being awake, entertained, and fed! Walking came early as she independently took to the floors at eight months! Her vocabulary grew exponentially with the encouragement of her best mentor, Jennifer. While in her early school years, she often reminded me, “Mom, today I was Electric! It was a great day!”

Over and over, Alison’s energy and liveliness kept us on our toes. She was always on the move, whether running, singing, dancing, or playing. Everything appeared to come easy for this firecracker. Thank you God for the dynamics of Alison in our lives.

Motherly advice was sprinkled, planted, and gathered:

1. “It doesn’t cost anything to be polite.”
2. “You don’t have to be a follower. Being a lead dog has its benefits. You can do this!”
3. “You don’t have to please anyone but yourself.”
4. “You have such a positive presence in front of others. I admire that in you.”
5. “Remember, you have those wings to fly…wherever, whenever, whomever you want. Just fly.”
6. “You don’t realize how strong you are until it’s the only choice you have.”

While adulting, Alison continues to grow in her intelligent, compassionate, witty, and varied talents. Whether she be writing, counseling, or challenging herself, Alison is a true warrior. I so love her committed life to marriage, family, and God. She continues to be my strength and bond for life. 

I cannot stress enough how humbled I am to be a momma link to these beautiful ladies. Although they share the common genetic bonds, these two can be different as night and day. God offered me two kind souls to nurture, love and appreciate. And that I do! Thank you God for the exceptional life of good! 

Lessons Learned:

What you give, you get back. What you plant, you reap in bountiful ways. Thank you Jennifer and Alison.

Be true to yourself. There’s only one YOU!

Thanks for reading!