Lessons from the Mamas Around Me

 Happy Mother’s Day, whether you’re a new mom, a seasoned mom, expecting, or grieving, today is for you. You are seen, loved, and cherished.

“She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.” – Proverbs 31:25

Today, I want to share some of the lessons I’ve learned from the mamas around me—strong, beautiful women who’ve helped shape who I am as a mother. In no particular order :) l

My Mom, Xiomara (a.k.a. Talullah’s MéMé)
My mom is a hardworking, independent woman who gives her whole heart to the people she loves. She is kind, generous, and always puts others before herself. One lesson she taught me, maybe without even realizing it, is this: be kind to your mom.

When you’re young, you don’t always understand your mother’s struggles. The things you say, the way you act, they stick. I look back now and realize I wasn’t always kind, and for that, I’m sorry, Mom. I pray Talullah grows up knowing how much I love her, and that she’ll be gentle with my heart the way I should’ve been with yours.

My Mother-in-Law, Marmee
Marmee is the calmest, most grounded soul I know. I’ve seen her love reflected in her son, my husband, and I’m forever grateful for that. She’s the kind of mom who made homemade soup and rubbed their bellies when they were sick. Her grandma and Marmee skills are also top tier, from caring for me when I was pregnant and the way she lights up when she sees Talullah. That’s a mom whose spirit is deeply rooted in motherhood.

She’s gentle, but firm like Ms. Honey from Matilda. Sweet, soft-spoken, but with a quiet strength that keeps everything steady. From her, I’ve learned to slow down, be patient, and speak kindly, even when motherhood overwhelms me. Thank you, Marmee.

My Sister, Angela
Angela is the definition of showing up. A mom of four, from a baby to a young adult, she works around the clock to make sure her kids have what they need and more. She doesn’t just attend the big moments; she’s there for all the small ones, too.

Basketball games, dance recitals, school pickups, she’s there, cheering them on, whether or not it’s something she’s personally into. That presence matters. I want to be like that for Talullah, her biggest cheerleader, always in her corner, always showing up.

My Best Friend, “Nanny”
Our journeys into motherhood looked different, but Nanny reminded me that our hearts are the same. We’re both trying our best, growing every day, and learning how to care for our babies while honoring who we are as women.

She’s taught me that being a mom doesn’t mean losing yourself. You’re still allowed to have passions, dreams, and a sense of self beyond motherhood. That’s something I carry with me daily, loving Talullah deeply while also holding space for who I am.  She’s chaos in the best possible way. She’s loud, unpredictable, real, and completely herself, and I absolutely love her for it. She reminds me not to take things too seriously, to laugh even when I’m tired, and to give myself grace on the hard days. She’s living proof that motherhood isn’t about perfection; it’s about presence, love, and showing up, even when everything’s a mess.

Sometimes, the best gift is having someone close who just understands, who doesn’t pretend to have it all figured out, but who walks beside you in the mess and magic of it all. That’s Nanny for me. My cousin, my sister, and one of the people who makes this journey feel a little less overwhelming and a whole lot more full of love. Thank you, Nanny. I love you more than I could ever express. This passage was by far the hardest to write without crying, especially because we’re the kind of weirdos who don’t express our love out loud. 

Jazmine

I’ve always adored Jazmine. I’m not sure she even knows that. To me, she’s the most beautiful woman, inside and out. Her husband, Ian, is so kind and polite, and together they’re raising their babies with so much love and intention.

She’s the very first person I think of when I hear the word “mom.” She’s a doula, a lactation consultant, a Lamaze instructor, a mom of two under two, and a wife, and somehow she makes it all look so effortless.

She’s nurturing, empowering, and incredibly wise. Watching her mother with so much calm and confidence inspires me. She’s taught me that knowledge is power and preparation is a gift you can give to other women stepping into motherhood. Jazmine reminds me that strength can be soft, and that there’s beauty in being both grounded and giving. I’m endlessly grateful for her example, her friendship, and the quiet ways she’s helped shape the kind of mother I am becoming, even though I've only been doing it for a short amount of time. 

My Grammie
I’ve learned that motherhood isn’t just about raising kids; it’s about never stopping the work of loving well. Even though her season of diapers and discipline passed long ago, she never stopped being a steady place for the rest of us (her grandchildren).

Through weekends spent side-by-side, I saw what it means to be constant. To offer presence over perfection. To make people feel safe just by being near.

 She taught me that the most lasting kind of motherhood is the kind that lingers, long after your kids are grown, long after the house is quiet, and long into the lives of those who come next.  My Grammie's house remains a space that I go to for warmth, food, and fruitful conversation. 

Each of you play a big part in my understanding of motherhood uniquely and powerfully. You’ve shown me that being a mother is not just about raising children. It’s about showing up with love, grace, strength, and intention. It’s in the quiet sacrifices, the warm embraces, the steady presence, and the unwavering belief in the ones you love.

This Mother’s Day, I honor you. I carry your lessons with me as I raise Talullah, hoping to give her even a fraction of what you’ve given me. Thank you for the way you love, lead, and live. I am better because of you.

Happy Mother’s Day, with all my heart.