“My mother is a woman like no other. She gave me life, nurtured me, taught me, dressed me, fought for me, held me, shouted at me, kissed me, but most importantly she loved me unconditionally.” – Unknown

About a month ago, my sister in law called me to let me know my mom’s husband had another heart attack. My mother was the only one with him when it happened. After she called 911 and they arrived, she wasn’t allowed to ride in the ambulance because he wasn’t breathing on his own. She called my older brother, hysterically, and he picked her up to take her to the hospital. About 10 minutes later, my brother called to tell me the news I didn’t want to hear… “Cigi, he didn’t make it.”

My heart sunk, I sat down, and put my head in my hands. I finally got up to pack my bags and get to my momma. Jon and I were the last ones to arrive at the hospital because we live the furthest away. Both my brothers and their significant others were already there. When I finally saw her face, I hugged her tightly as she began to cry in my arms. While she was in shock, she was still concerned about her children, her husband’s family members, and her friends. She never stops being concerned and caring for everyone around her even in the worst of times.

The next few hours and even days were a blur. The day of the viewing she sat in a chair at the front of the church alongside her stepdaughter and smiled, greeted, and thanked every single person for being there. She was afraid people would judge her if she wasn’t up there crying the whole time. But I believe everyone saw how strong she was being and keeping it together not only for her stepdaughter but for everyone in that room feeling the loss of a friend. She refused any medication or alcohol to numb the pain. She wanted to handle everything on her own and remember the beautiful service honoring her best friend.

She is still grieving and will continue to do so, but she never falters on her faith. I talk to my mom almost every morning as I drive to work. Some days she will cry, but every day she is fighting to stay strong because in her words, “I have my children and grandchildren to think about.” She even apologizes when she falls apart – no apology necessary, Mom. She makes sure to get up and get dressed everyday whether it’s to go to work, pick up her grand kids from school, or simply just run errands.

The first time you meet her, she will probably hug you five times, and by the second time you are around her she will probably tell you she loves you. I give my mom a hard time for talking to anyone and everyone because I am more reserved, but in all actuality, I admire her for how much she loves others and for wearing her heart on her sleeve.

I am still not part of the Mom Club, but I hope to be one day. I have a sister-in-law who is the mother of my two wonderful nieces and many close friends who are momma’s themselves. To all the momma’s out there, know that I am lifting you up and cheering you on!

She is a warrior. She is a fighter. She is compassionate. She is the glue. She is selfless. She is giving. She is nurturing. She is patient. She is strength. She is the rock. She is your biggest fan. She is the ultimate supporter.

SHE IS MOM.