A couple of years ago I was fortunate to spend a Mother's Day with all of the women I consider mothers, in one way or another. Ever since then, I make it a point to make a little toast to them each Mother's Day, wherever they are. So here goes...

To my mom: In spite of our differences, I love you and love that we learn from each other every day of our lives.

To my grandmother: Thank you for being my kindred spirit and for showing me the magic in life. Thank you for sticking up for me when no one else did.

To my other grandmother: Thank you for being my friend, giggling and gossiping with me, teaching me how to cook, and letting me take care of you, when you always took care of everyone else.

To my aunt Z: I know in your heart that I am the daughter you should have had. Thank you for understanding me. And thank you for taking me upstairs each and every holiday, and letting me raid your closet.

To my godmother: When I was a kid, thank you for letting me stay up until 2am watching action movies and eating candy with my cousins in defiance of my mom's rules. Thank you for showing me how much rebellion can be fun. And thank you for never treating me any different from your kids, even if I was the only girl.

Thank you, ladies.