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Sooo many mothers!

I know I say I have the best Mama. Well, because I do! (To me, anyway!) In all this recognition of my Mama and what a super fantastic job she's done in raising her children, I need to mention the other wonderful women who played a BIG role in raising me, as well as my brothers, sister, and cousins. In Filipino culture it's pretty normal to be so involved in raising your relative's children. Growing up I found it weird that all my friends only had one mom, when I had Mama, Mamang, Mommy, and Jo. Who are these people? Well, you are about to find out.

MAMA.  Gorgeous, right?


You all know her.  If you've been following my blog, I would hope you know her!  She's my Mama!

MAMANG.  My Grandmother.  Go ahead, say it.  I know you're thinking it.  My future self.


MOMMY. (also known as Lola Mommy to my nieces).  She is my mom's younger sister. [left] Some people say I inherited my looks from her.  You judge.


JO.  My mom's youngest sister. [right] (They look alike, right?)


ALL of these women had a hand in raising us all.  They're not just my grandmother or my aunts.  They are like second moms.  I can't really say that Mama (my mom) is the only one who fed us, clothed us, bathed us, taught us right from wrong, listened to our broken hearts, or rejoiced in our happiness and accomplishments.  It just wouldn't be true.  As much as Mama did do those things, so did Mamang, Mommy and Jo.  No matter the distance, they are always there (spiritually, emotionally, and mentally) for me, my siblings, and my cousins. 

With all this communal raising of children going around in my family, it's no wonder I love my own nieces in the very way my aunts and grandma love me- just like one of their own (even though I don't have any kids...yet).  My nieces are probably the luckiest ones of all because they got to experience something so rare.  Not only are they being raised by two amazing parents, but they were also at one point, being raised by my grandparents (their GREAT grandaparents), as well as Mommy (my aunt).  They are loved by so many people.

I count my blessings everyday for having soooo many mothers who are willing to drop everything to just love you.

God Bless,
Kat

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