Yesterday was Mothers Day. That's always been a difficult day for me. My mother and I were never especially close and it just seems to churn up a lot of conflicting emotions. It's not that I don't love and appreciate my mother. I do, but we've had a rough road and sometimes it's hard to lay things aside with a Hallmark card and a blooming rose. I tell you that for background information. It's not really the point.

I chose may years ago to NOT be a mother. I made a conscience decision that I would not have children. Analyze that how you wish. There has always been a part of me that felt a bit left out on Mothers Day, no strong connection to my mother and no place in the parade. (I'm not complaining. I'm stating a fact.)

This year was different. Three wonderful young women made an effort to thank me for my role in their lives. These girls are teens who come to me for advice, comfort and an occasional request for transportation. This year I got to stand on the edge of the parade and I admit it felt good.

I haven't changed my mind. I know I was not created to be a mother. I have no doubts about that, but I am more and more convinced I have a responsibility to young women around me. I'm proud to take that role of mother-type.

I hope all you ladies; mothers, mentors, favored aunts and best friends had a wonderfully blessed Mothers Day.