Lucky in Mamas

On this Mother's Day, I wanted to share a little bit about the three most influential women in my life . . . to let them know how much I love them and let all of you know a little bit about the women that have so influenced me.

My Momma. Words cannot describe how amazing she is. She is the most fun, vibrant, amazing person I've ever met. She is not a . . . conventional mother. She taught desert and mountain survival classes, took all of us camping and hiking and on numerous adventures. I'm trying to get her onto "Survivor" because I'm pretty sure she'd be the runaway winner! She lived in a tee-pee during college, if that helps put her into perspective! She raised four kids alone, and did a pretty darn good job. She has been through so many trials, it's hard to even comprehend. Her's is a life full of miracles and also full of the most intense adversity I've ever witnessed. Her faith is unwavered, her courage unmatched. I love her more than I could ever describe.

My Grandma. Anyone who has ever met Shirley will agree . . . I have the coolest Grandma in the history of Grandmas. She was a runway model back in the day, and she is one of the most beautiful women in the world. She has an elegance and grace that I cannot describe. Everything about her is just . . . poised and beautiful. In spite of that, she knows how to get dirty and have fun! My Mom has hilarious stories of camping trips on Italian beaches interrupted by hurricanes, and Shirley refusing to leave the beach. Of skiing trips to the Swiss Alps with three young children. Even now, my Grandma is still full of adventure. She takes trips to Nepal and hikes mountains and sleeps on dirt floors. She takes safaris in Africa, trips to Europe. Just a year and a half ago, I had standing room only tickets to the Fiesta Bowl where. This amazing 75 year old woman with bad knees and a cane drove here from California on a moments notice just to see the Ohio State Band play and then stood with us and cheered through the whole game . . . at the very top of the stadium. She is a trooper! I talk to her at least once a week on the phone. She is my style and decorating consultant, my confidant and truly one of my best friends.

Finally, my amazing step-mother, Lisa. She is more than a step-mother. She welcomed my family with open arms and has treated us as her own. From the minute I met her, I knew she was going to be good for our family. She has been a voice of reason in troubled times. She has been a source of sound financial advice, as well as a friend to laugh and giggle with late into the night. She is like a rock . . . steady and unmoving. I don't know how we lived without her. She has, in many ways, been a saving grace for myself and my siblings.

Today, I am so grateful for these women. I don't know where I would be without each one of them. I truly am the luckiest girl alive to have been able to have their influence shape me into the woman I am . . . and hope they will continue to shape me into something even better. I love them with all of my heart.