1. I have a pretty incredible mom. She fought for me every step of the way and always put my father and brothers’ in their place when they would assume I couldn’t do something because I was a girl. She was my own superhero and I know I wouldn’t be where I was today if she wasn’t always pushing me forward. She built me – strong and determined and I could not love another woman more.

But 10 years ago, when I became a mom and two young kids moved into my house on a sunny, Saturday morning – my whole world turned upside down and all of that strength suddenly was gone.  I was left feeling like I was floating into space, without any direction. To say I was overwhelmed would be an understatement. There were days I would pull the covers over my head and pray hard that maybe today I could hide from the world and no one would notice.

But just like any mom, I found a way out of bed and even though there were a ton of tears – I found my footing and my way back onto solid ground (eventually).

But what I didn’t know at the time, because I was so caught up in learning how to be a parent – was that there was a small army of powerful women working behind the scenes and guiding me every step of the way.

So today’s post is short and sweet – and a simple yet heartfelt thank you to all the women who helped raise me…as a mom.  Today’s post is to acknowledge the tribe of women who let me learn from my mistakes, but who never let me fall down too far that I couldn’t climb my way back up.

Laura Della Vella – words can’t explain what you mean to me. You have been my life line. The woman who picked up my kids when work called, who reminded me of all the practices and sat with me on the sidelines when I knew no one. You’ve been my life jacket for some many years and I don’t think I can ever repay you for all that you have done for me. You taught me to find a sense of peace in knowing that any decision you make in life where you put your kids first, is the right decision. I love you – and I am so thankful that you have always loved me right back.

Thank you, Juli Brown for always showing me what selflessness looks like. Even while battling Cancer (and kicking its ass), you always put your kids first and got up every morning to make them breakfast. You only wear a cape in my book, sis and I love you and who you are to your children! Thank you for not judging me when times got bad and for adoring my kids unconditionally!

Amy Hoover – there is a part of me that can’t even write that you are a “friend.” You are so much more to me. You’re my sister and my logical and grounded supporter who has always talked me off the ledge. I love how bad ass you are with your kids – you don’t hold those fears inside that most moms do. You have this quiet courage that I can only dream of. Thank you for not only making me a better mom but a better person and for teaching me to breathe when I forgot how.

Jenny from the Block – what can I say? You bring me such smiles and joy. You remind me to laugh at myself and that life isn’t about what we did wrong but about what we did right – and we have done a lot of right together, my friend! I love how you smile with your eyes and that you will always do anything for your children. Thank you for always ordering me a double and for holding my hand through this crazy journey!

Chris Lesko – Anyone who has known me over the past 10 years, knows that I owe you my life.  You have been my North Star when navigating this wonderfully difficult world of being a stepmom. I wouldn’t have made it through without you, love. Thank you for always showing me the way and standing by me through it all. I know we will be standing next to each other through all of life’s milestones!

Amy McGahan – you were one of the first moms I met when I started my first job in Cleveland. I’m pretty sure you could tell by the constant red eyes and the sniffles coming from the bathroom stall that I was a tad bit stressed out. You would find me in meetings and tell me mom stories that made me feel okay. You’ve been an incredible ear for me and I am so very inspired by how you raise your boys on your own and with such spunk. You’re a perfect example of what a successful woman is to me — you make parenting and working hard look easy, even though we both know what it really feels like!

To my Jan Jan. You always gave me the encouragement – the positive feels. You smile when I want to cry and remind me that perfection is an illusion. I love the relationships you have formed with your kids – and I so admire how hard you work to give them everything you want them to have. And let’s face it –  you’re kind of the cool mom?

Swati Desai – You are a true definition of class and strength. You’re my compass and have always listened to me, without judgment and given me true, solid advice. You’re a pillar of strength and such an amazing example for me. You have built a such a strong foundation with your children that many can only dream of.

So, without a doubt, I have missed at least 120 other moms who have helped raise me. I hope you know who you are and how much I appreciate you. So Happy Mother’s Day to all the fantastic women out there who live for their children. I thank you for not just being a great parent — but for helping moms like me find their way through the crazy and wonderfully terrifying journey we call Motherhood!