In a request for help, I asked what women have touched your life and how? Mothers took the top spot, as we should!
A good friend and member of my coaching advisory team led me to Jen Hatmaker’s book, “Of Mess and Moxie,” and the chapter on Bonus Moms. These are women who have come alongside us and parented, taught, coached, encouraged, or supported our children. It truly takes a village to raise a child!
I’ve known lots of Bonus Moms through the years. I enlisted a new Bonus Mom just this week, when my daughter needed encouragement with her two-week old baby in another state. An old friend from high school lives near her and is willing to introduce herself and lend a supportive ear.
Other Bonus Moms are a friend who raised her niece and nephew after their mom died in a tragic accident and their dad couldn’t cope. Another friend, as an alumni, mentored a college sorority sister, entering into an amazing relationship that had her adopting the young adult. This was after learning she could not have children of her own. A pastor and his wife lost several children, only to understand God had other plans for them with adopting – six children! Another friend was led to adoption of her beautiful daughter after miscarriages had her believing she couldn’t have children. Then God blessed them with the full term pregnancy of their son. Two sisters requested siblings from an abusive home, adopting two brothers who have challenged, delighted, and truly blessed them both. A church friend is fostering babies, at a moment’s notice, and have their fourth baby. Although their hearts break when the babies leave, they continue to be available. A niece, who was tragically murdered, had a baby who was lovingly taken in by my deceased father’s surviving wife of two years. She raised this baby girl even though there was no blood relation. An English teacher who mentored and formed me into the woman I am today, did not have children of her own. But when she celebrated her 80th birthday this year, 100 of her “children” honored her with eight dozen roses! I am a stepmother and know many women who choose to love and raise their spouse’s children as their own.
We all know Bonus Moms like these strong, loving, selfless, courageous, available women. What a tribute to humanity! You are worthy of His praise – well done, good and faithful servant.
Hug your Mom and a Bonus Mom today!
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