I don’t mean to sound sexist as I write this but some of the strongest people I’ve ever known have been women. My grandmother, Winona Rinehart, had to bury a husband and son the same year-in 1990. My grandmother, Faye Hall, worked all of her life (from a kid to an adult) for her family. She made sacrifices so that her kids would have a better life. There’s also my great aunts,  my grandmother Faye’s sisters, who made similar sacrifices- who seemed to always have a sense of humor-especially Aunt Nell. Aunt Nell was one of the best shooters in all of Chilton County but she also knew how to have fun- dancing and singing to old Johnny Cash songs. They handled life with grace. There’s also Chef Melissa, from my days at NorthRiver Yacht Club. She was the Executive Chef.  She was tough and ran a tight ship but knew how to put out some of the best food I’ve ever eaten, not to mention the displays-Southern Living worthy. She worked hard to provide for her daughter and grand baby-even when she was diagnosed with cancer. God I miss these women.

My mom is another-she worked so my dad to go back to college to become a teacher. She constantly puts her family first. With my dad’s eyes, she is the driver in the house. She makes sure he gets to where he needs to go and then some. There’s also my sister-she’s raising 4 kids, works, and still finds time to be the most creative person I know. She’s one of the most selfless people I know.

I know that I am leaving some ladies out. I apologize. I am sure though that you can think of the women that have shaped your existence.  So, on this Mother’s Day weekend, I want to say thank you to the women who’ve made me who I am today. Mother’s Day is for every woman who has impacted someone-where that person be their child or not.