Thank you, Tracey

For the bonus moms who loved our kids like their own.

Hey friends,

I want to tell you about my friend Tracey.

Tracey passed away a year ago after a brutal bout of cancer. She was one of the kindest, smartest, strongest, all-around badass women I’ve ever known.

Let me back up. I first met Tracey through my son, Ben. She was his friend Niko’s mom. For years she was Miss Tracey to all of us because she was just that kind of person. Honestly I’ve lost count of how many years Miss Tracey was orbiting in our world (15-ish?).

She was what I like to call a bonus mom to Ben. She loved him, cheered him, and even scolded him if the occasion called for it.

Tracey came to Ben’s wedding. At the reception she came over to give me a hug and said, “You did good.”

I told her, “No, we all had a hand in raising that young man.”

That’s what I want to focus on today. All of the moms who love their kids’ friends as their own.

Kate also has a bonus mom, Anna. Actually, I have a funny story about Kate and Anna. When Kate was around 13 or 14 she was on a tear as only a girl that age can be. I don’t remember the details leading up to this exchange. I’d bet Kate does. She wanted to stop and get a bottle of water. I told her no, that she’d just have to wait a few minutes. Kate said, “What, do you want me to be dehydrated?” My answer: “Yes, I do.” Which led to an epic dramatic scene of Kate announcing she was going to go live with Miss Anna and her family because she wanted to be somewhere people loved her. To which I replied, “Ok.”

Maybe not the best parenting moment. But the thing that landed with me was that Kate had people. She had Anna, who she loves and trusts.

I’m lucky enough to have my own crew of bonus kids. Jessi, Zach, Cory, Myah, Josie, Jessie, Zack, and Madi. To them I am Mama Roberts, Madre Dos, or even Heather. To me, they are family. I’ve had the privilege and honor of seeing them grow up, get married, and I even have two bonus grandchildren now.

So this Mother’s Day, I want to thank all the other bonus moms out there.

Thank you, Tracey.

xx, Heather