But there was another rock of a woman that took me on before that. There was a woman, not much older than my mother, who took me in and raised me through a childhood I can't (or won't) recall. She had a perfect, beautiful family of her own; yet, she still found a place for me. She loved an unlovable kid as though I deserved it. And, she has always loved me... especially when I wasn't worthy.
I can only imagine the broken kid I was. But this picture says it all - I was held together by love and generosity and beauty. Included in a family for the first time, I got glimpses of how it should be.
I remember watching her love and being dumbfounded by the depth.
I sat at her table and felt nothing but acceptance.
She was the mother I needed and the aunt I treasured.
She took me to get my first pair of glasses when no one else would.
She bought me the first bra that actually fit.
She took the time to braid my hair and didn't mind that I just loved the feel of her hands.
I watched how she carried herself and pretended to be her, but didn't have the confidence to show anyone my act.
More than my actual godmother, I swear she is my bippity boppity boo, magic wand and all, Fairy Godmother.
She cried at my wedding like I was her own. And, although no one is as important to her as her actual children, she has never made me feel less than.
She has welcomed me into her home every summer since I was a kid. And, now that I bring the girls, I get to watch her turn the spotlight on them in a way only she can. They absolutely light up in her presence, and I can only nod in agreement.
She is magic.
I wouldn't have made it without her, and anyone who watched knows that.
She is generosity and honesty and a true example of a lady.
My fairy godmother, my aunt, my friend, and the woman I can point to and say, "girls, follow her lead."
Thank you.
I love you.
We love you.
Always.
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