I Have More Than One Mother Figure

This Mother’s Day, I’m working with Clever Girls in support of Macy’s Heart of Haiti to shine a light on the “trade, not aid” program, which provides sustainable income to Haitian artisans struggling to rebuild their lives and support their families after the 2010 earthquake.

When I think of Mother’s Day, I don’t just think about the amazing woman who gave me life. No. I also think about the amazing women who have helped shape the fabulous person I am today. When I think of Mother’s Day, I think of my sisters.

I have three sisters who are just as much a mother figure to me as our own beautiful Mama is to all four of us. Each of them has helped me, taught me, and inspired me in their own way and for that I am thankful to have them in my life.

Elena

The oldest of our bunch. The voracious reader, constant learner, and lover of music.
She taught me to appreciate the written word and opened my mind to all types of music. She’s my go-to make-up artist when I need help figuring out what shade of lipstick to buy or which concealer actually works. Her laugh is EXACTLY like Mr. Belding on Saved By The Bell, and for that she will always have an invitation to any party I throw!

Antonette

The one I jokingly call my “sister-mom.” She’s a natural nurturer, a big softy, and my in case of emergency contact (aside from Hubby). She the responsible one, always calm even when I’m hysterical. She’s the person who I know will always hug me when I’m scared, lonely, or doubting myself. She was there for me though my difficult pregnancy, held my hand during labor, and cheered me on when I got my Master’s Degree. Total “sister-mom” material. 

Amy

My perpetual BFF. She’s the person I can talk to about anything, everything, or nothing at all. Her sense of humor is contagious and she takes sarcasm to new heights with the best of ‘em! In high school, I’d stay at her house so much so that she gave me my own room. She’d let me stay up late, each tons of junk food, and talk on the phone with boys. She’s always honest, always open-minded, and always available. Her teenage daughter is lucky to have her.

In just two weeks I will get to spend this Mother’s Day with all of three of them, and I cannot express with words how happy that makes me. Not only will I get to spend time with my Mom, but also with my wonderful, annoying, and crazy sisters.

One for me. One for my Mama.

In thinking of how lucky I am, I’m reminded of those who are not so lucky. The people of Haiti have suffered so very much, they need all the help we can offer. I am honored to have a small hand in helping them rebuild what was lost.

What is Macy’s Heart of Haiti?
Heart of Haiti is a “Trade, Not Aid” initiative launched by artist and social entrepreneur, Willa Shalit, The Clinton Bush Haiti Fund and Macy’s. Already, Heart of Haiti has led to employment of 750 artists in Haiti, providing financial benefits for an estimated 8,500 people in the country.

Each item is a one-of-a-kind design and handmade by a Haitian master artisan from raw materials such as recycled oil drums, wrought iron, papier-mâché and stone. The collection features more than 40 home decor items including quilts, metalwork, ceramics, jewelry and paintings and is made almost entirely from recycled and sustainable items such as old cement bags, cardboard, oil drums and local gommier wood.

Heart of Haiti products are available online at Macy’s.com.

Thank you to Macy’s Heart of Haiti for sponsoring my participation in this “Share Your Heart” promotion. I was selected for this sponsorship by the Clever Girls Collective. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Hugs,

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Tagged as: CleverHaiti, mother's day, spon