From Sarah Mendonca McCoy, on Mother’s Day:

I began thinking about all of the mothers who have inspired me, whose
examples and insights and advice have influenced the mother that I
have become and am still becoming… and so I wanted to thank you for
supporting me and encouraging me and teaching me!

Here’s a small sampling of the lessons I’ve learned from you… not
an exhaustive list by any means, but some of the most memorable ones,
anyway!

From my mom, I’ve learned… that the best gift you can give your
children is to really listen to what they say with an open heart.

From my mother-in-law, I’ve learned… that lots of laughter is a
mother’s secret weapon when negotiating with a willful toddler!

From my Grandma DeLonge, I’ve learned… that you never stop
worrying about your children, no matter how old they are.

From my Grandma Mendonca, I learned… that a mother is a child’s
first and most important teacher in life.

From my Great-Aunt Ruth, I’ve learned… that a strong faith can
help to keep you afloat when your children are suffering.

From my Great-Aunt Caroline, I’ve learned… that taking care of
seven children means that you have seven children to take care of you.

From my Auntie Joyce, I’ve learned… that doing a lot of cooking on
the weekend is the best way to have stress-free weekday dinners.

From my sister Julie, I’ve learned… that setting aside time each
day for your spiritual well-being really helps you to be a better mom.

From my sister-in-law Lara, I’ve learned… that exercising every
day goes a long way towards maintaining your sanity.

From my friend Elizabeth, I’ve learned… that as your child grows
older, parenting doesn’t ever get any easier… “just different”!

From my friend Erin, I learned… not to be surprised if your baby
boy wants to nurse every 2 hours for the first few months!

From my cousin Jeanette, I’ve learned… that you have to take the
advice in parenting books “with a grain of salt.”

From my cousin Michelle, I learned… that a child is never too
young to try some Indian food!

From my friend Lisa, I’ve learned… that proper planning goes a
long way towards making life easier with small children!

From my friend Tanya, I learned… that the No-Cry Sleep Solution is
an essential book for new mothers!

From my friend Michelle M., I’ve learned… that a well-utilized
calendar can be a mom’s very best friend!

From my friend Monica, I’ve learned… that it’s important to make
conscious decisions about the family life you want to create.

From my friend Molly, I’ve learned… that it’s worthwhile to spend
lots of time cuddling with your children, because they grow up too fast.

From my friend Teresa, I’ve learned… that giving your children
fresh, wholesome foods really pays off in the form of smart, healthy,
and gentle children.

From my friend Rachel, I’ve learned… that laying out clear
expectations in a positive way really helps to maintain peace in the
family.

From my friend Stephanie, I’ve learned… that having a walking
buddy in your neighborhood is a great treasure!

From my friend Tiffany, I’ve learned… that eventually, your kids
really and truly will stop sleeping in your bed…

From my friend Mary K., I’ve learned… that it’s worthwhile to move
back to Gainesville from Tallahassee to be close to grandparents!

From my friend Cathy, I’ve learned… that it’s really hard to keep
up with anything when you have two small children!

From my friend Michelle S., I’ve learned… that women who have four
small boys receive an extra helping of grace from God.

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