The non-traditional family

Today is Mother's Day.  I'm inspired to blog about being a Mom and being part of the "non-traditional" family.

I grew up in a family of seven.  I have three brothers and one sister.  My parents were married until the day that my dad died.  I remember feeling like this was not the "norm" back in the day.  I grew up with one goal in mind: college.  I wanted to have a degree; I wanted to have a career.  I believed that I would not get married until I was closer to thirty.  I did not picture myself as a mom.  It wasn't the dream that I had.  I didn't think that I had the "makings" of a mother.  I love my mother, but, I couldn't be her.  I didn't want that life.  It's not because I don't love children.  I do love children.  I just didn't want any of my own.

Life has a way of changing the direction of your journey.  I got married at twenty-two; I had a baby at twenty-five.  My life and feelings about parenthood changed instantly.  I didn't realize the impact that it would have on my life.  It was as if it was "meant to be." I was separated and divorced less than five years later.  It's not what I imagined for my life. I wouldn't change it though.

I met Travis in 2008 and now we've got the "non-traditional" family.  I love each one of my children as if I gave birth to them.  It's not biology that makes a parent; it's love, nurturing and compassion.

Today, and everyday, I'm blessed to call them my lovebugs.