It is finally Mother’s Day. My first one. I have been looking forward to this day since Sloane was born. It still feels like a dream that she chose me to be her mother. She turned 6 months yesterday and she is growing so beautifully, being her mother is the most joyous thing in the whole world. I have so many amazing mothers in my life who have set the perfect example for me. They have created an incredible template and I am following it and adding my own as I go. So on my first mother’s day, I would love to say thank you to those who have come before me and have done it the best way they know how and continue to be fantastic role models for me and others.

My mom has such an amazing demeanor and a calmness that I see in Sloane. She is always there, no matter how tired or overwhelmed she is. She smiles through the worst of storms. She has taught me to live in the now and worry about tomorrow when it gets here. Though she lives in Woodbridge, VA, she spent 6 weeks with me in Ohio when I first had Sloane and really helped me get acquainted with being a new mother. While she was here with me, she was also helping Sidney write his essays for schools. She loves with all she has and is one of the most genuine people you’ll ever meet. She is successful at being a mother, a wife, a sister, a friend, and a career woman and I couldn’t have found a better role model in my own mother.

My mother-in-law, Betsy, is an angel walking among us. She is the most positive person I have ever met. She sees the good in every situation and always has the best advice. You can’t help but want to talk to her about your life because she is so trusting. She has raised  4 amazing men while also being a dentist. She makes you want more for yourself and I count myself lucky to be able to call her my daughter’s grandmother.

Auntie Becky, my other mother. She basically raised me and she raised 5 children of her own and so many others. One of the most generous people you’ll ever meet. She will starve just so the next person can have something to eat. She is very business minded and achieves success in everything she does. She is always praying for the absolute best for everyone, even people she’s never met before. I see some of her in me and that makes me very happy.

I could keep going because there are so many wonderful mothers in my life like Sama Darko who is such an incredible person, changing so many lives in Ghana, providing opportunities for anyone who is willing to work hard. She is so giving and has overcome to much to achieve tremendous success. Her kids have such an amazing role model to look up and she has taught me that you can achieve anything with hard work and perseverance.

To the new mothers, you’re already do so incredibly well and I am learning from you too.  Just know that we are all in this together and as long as our kids are happy and healthy, we are doing an amazing job.

To Adwoba, Becca, Amanda, Becky, Sally, Christine, Auntie Dorothy, Ama Cudjoe, Betti, Sylvia and every mother I know, you’re all phenomenal and your kids are blessed to have you.

To Nana and Arielle, I can not wait for you to join the club. I am so happy for you and I know you’re going to be the most amazing mothers.

To Sloane, thank you again for choosing me.

The flowers above were an early Mother’s day gift from my dad.