Twice Blessed

There is not a day that goes by that I don't think about my two sweet mothers. I was extraordinarily blessed to not only be given life from one of the most amazing women I've ever met, but to be able to gain another true mother through marriage. Both of these women are incredible examples to me. Here are a few reasons why I love BOTH of these women so much:


:: My mom raised 8 children! Five boys, then me (#6) and then two more girls.
:: My mom was always there growing up, always.
:: My mom gives the most wonderful hugs that can heal whatever might ail you.
:: I never, ever doubted my mother's love. Ever. She has the ability to love freely and unconditionally.
:: My mom can cook amazing meals. With 8 mouths to feed and a hungry hubby, she should be given a medal for doing it so well.
:: My mom is beautiful, inside and out. She always has a smile on her face, a kind thing to say, a gentle hand to lend, open arms to heal.
:: I'm sure it's a given after having 8 kids, but my mom has the patience of a saint. I honestly don't know where it all comes from, but it's an amazing sight to behold...especially with the Grandkids.
:: My mom is so incredibly talented. She sings, she plays piano, she cooks, she sews, she makes beautiful things...the list is endless. I got to hear her play and sing the most beautiful song a couple years ago that she wrote and composed herself. I was so proud. That's my mom!
:: I can hear my mom's voice in my head all throughout my day: "If you start cleaning in one corner of the room and then work your way out, eventually it all gets done." or "Say a prayer when you feel like you can't handle another minute" or "Bless your heart" or "You can do this, Shayla, I know you can!". What an amazing solace this gives me.
:: My children adore my mother. Adore her. She and Kenzie, especially, have an unusually tight bond. They always have. We hear about Grandma at least a few times a week from her, even though we have only seen Grandma a couple times this past year. I overheard Kenzie tell her cousins that, "Grandma is my favorite, because she loves me even when I can't stop crying and she never yells." Of course, this is bittersweet for me to hear as I'd like her to feel that way about me too, but isn't it the truth? Grandmas get to be that to their grandchildren, the one who is always full of love, acceptance and never has to say no. :-)
:: My mom is smart! She is really, really smart. I love when Nate tells her some random fact (he's got a lot of those floating around in that head of his) and she has to run and look it up right then and there. She's a learner and a doer. All the kids are grown up and she's still out there, more than ever, learning something new all the time.
:: My mom is a reader. She gave me my love of books. When I'm up late at night trying to put a book down, I can hear her in my mind saying, "Just one more chapter!" I can always be assured she's reading something new and now she and my Dad read together. They always have good books to recommend to me.
:: My mom gives me a reason to live. I know this is random, but it really is true. Being someone who has, at times, suffered in the depths of depression, I have been in that low where there seems to be no reason to continue on. I can always, always think of my mom and know that no matter how bad it seems, how unbearable it feels, she loves me and will love me no matter what.

I have been doubly blessed in this life. I was given not just one amazing mom, but two! From the minute I met Nate's mama, I fell in love with her. Her home was like my home. There is always such comfort to be found there. Because they lived so many years in the South, "mom" at the Trimble home is usually just "mama".

:: The first time I "officially" met mama, was after a date with Nate hiking all day long. We were tired, but wired on that new-crush-high. I had to drive Nate's parents car home the last half hour, because he was having problems with his knee. When we drove up to his house, quite a few of his family members were outside. I was dying of embarrassment to be found driving their car and they hadn't even met me yet! No need. Mama took me into their house as one of her own and has never treated me anything less than that since then.
:: Mama raised 7 children! Nate was number six, just like me. If it weren't for the incredible parents that they are, I would not have this amazing man in my life. I credit them for giving me the joy that I have today, the father to my beautiful children, the eternal companion to me. What greater gift is there?
:: Nate's family moved a lot. His parents are still doing it, even though they'd rather not. I have witnessed strength in his Mama like no other. She moves forward through trials with an amazing strength and grace that I truly admire.
:: Mama always has joy in her countenance. Always. Even when life is hard and her body hurts and she has every reason to fall down and cry, she exudes joy. She's this bundle of energy that comes into a room and immediately lights it up. Oh, to be more like that...what would I give?!
:: My children adore their Meme. Adore her. It's amazing really, no matter how long it has been since they've seen her, they never forget how much they love her. How can we be so blessed to have two Grandma's in our children's lives who they just can't get enough of?
:: My mama can throw a party like no one else. I'd never been to so many parties after I started dating Nate. If there's something to celebrate, than the Trimbles will. Lots of food, fun, kids, games and happiness to be had by all. There is nothing like a Trimble get-together. Mama is the reason behind all of that. Even when she isn't there, she's still the life force of every Trimble party.
:: There is a peace and beauty about Nate's mom that overflows to everyone she touches. She quietly serves and humbly helps with no one being the wiser. She literally lives every day of her life in service to her children. I have never seen a mother love her children more than this woman. Nate and I often say, all she ever needs to be happy in this life is her children and grandchildren around her. She has taught me that family is truly everything, all that matters in this life.
:: I'm a lucky gal, cause not only do I have my mom's incredible cooking skills influencing me, but Nate's moms, too. The recipes I have gotten from her are some of our staples around here.
:: I've never seen anyone clean like Nate's mom can. Man, that woman can move! She's a bit smaller than me, but I swear I can't keep up if I tried. She's helped us clean an apartment or two when moving out and I always know if she was there, we're definitely getting our deposit back! :-)
:: I love Mama's laugh. It's infectious and full of joy. You won't go long without hearing it, either.

How can I possibly stop? The lists for these women could go on endlessly. I am so truly blessed to be a daughter to both of them. I hope they know that their legacy will live on and on, just as the Lord has promised us. They have given me the chance to be the mother that I am today. How could I adequately express what this means to me? I wish you both the happiest of days today. I love you so, so much!

Happy Mother's Day!