A Mother’s Day Tribute

Mother’s Day is often painted with a very specific brush: a biological mother and daughter sharing a bouquet of flowers. But for many of us, the portrait of "Mother" is a beautiful, complex mosaic made of different faces, different hands, and a whole lot of grace.

For me, Mother’s Day isn’t about a traditional biological bond. My mother wasn’t around, and for a long time, that was a story I didn’t know how to tell. But as I stand here today—confident, blessed, and self-driven—I realize I wasn't lacking. I was being gathered into the arms of a village that refused to let me fall.

The Foundation: My Grandparents

My story begins with my grandparents. They didn't just step in; they stepped up. They became the sun and the moon in my universe. To me, they weren't just "Nan and Grandad"—they were my parents. They provided the stability, the discipline, and the unconditional love that forms the bedrock of who I am. They taught me that family isn't about a birth certificate; it’s about who shows up at 3 AM and who cheers the loudest at every achievement.

Most importantly, they were the ones who looked at me and saw no limits. Even living with a disability, my Nan and Grandad installed a fierce belief in me that I could do anything I put my mind to. They taught me that my circumstances didn't define my potential and my determination.

The Moment Everything Changed

While my grandparents provided my earthly foundation, my life took a pivotal turn the day I encountered the love of God. I remember sitting in church, listening to a message that spoke of a love so profound it couldn't be created by human hands. It was a divine, perfect love—and I realized in that moment just how much I needed it.

Driven by a hunger for that connection, I walked to the front of the church for prayer. It was there that the man who would become my spiritual father prayed for me. In that moment, through that message and that prayer, I gave my life to Christ.

The Extension: My Spiritual Parents

That day didn't just give me a faith; it gave me a second home. My spiritual dad and mum didn't just mentor me—they more or less brought me up as one of their own children. I became a fixture in their lives, living at their house during the week and spending almost every weekend by their side.

Their home was always welcoming, a sanctuary where I truly belonged. I cherish the memories of sitting around their dinner table, eating together, playing games and talking about our day. These times would naturally turn into conversations about God and our walks with Him. It was in those everyday moments—over plates of food and shared laughter—that my faith was nurtured and my character was built

They filled the gaps with wisdom and a type of spiritual guidance that navigated me through my toughest seasons. They taught me that I am a child of a King, and that my worth isn't defined by who left, but by who stayed—and by the One who created me.

The Result: A Blessed Life

If you met me today, you’d see a woman who is driven and sure of herself. You might not guess that my path started with an absence. But that absence was filled to overflowing by the presence of people who chose me.

Without my grandparents’ nurturing and the deep, parental love of my spiritual parents, I wouldn’t be the woman I am today. They turned my "different" upbringing into a competitive advantage, teaching me how to love deeply and lead with strength.

So, this Mother’s Day, my flowers are going to the village. To the grandparents who took on a second round of parenting with joy, and to my spiritual parents who opened their home and hearts to me: Thank you.

"Motherless" This Mother’s Day

I know that for some, this day carries an ache. If you feel "motherless" today because of an empty seat, a broken bond, or a distance that feels too wide to bridge, please know this: You are not forgotten. Look around at the "village" God has placed in your path. Your "mother" might not be who you expected, but family is built by those who choose to stay and love you through the seasons. If you feel you have no one, I would like to remind you that you have God and the unconditional love he has is for you as well. The Bible says, in Psalm 68 that " He places the lonely in families."

Are you celebrating a "village" this Mother's Day? I'd love to hear about the people who stepped in and shaped your life in the comments below. Let us know what your doing this mother’s day.