Is That Deductible? Reflecting on the Remarkable Women Who Shaped Me

In the tapestry of my life, there are threads woven with the love, strength, and resilience of remarkable women who have left an indelible mark on my journey. Today, I want to delve deeper into the profound impact of the three widowed mothers and my precious wife who have shaped me into the person I am today, celebrating their unique qualities and the profound influence they've had on my life.

My Own Mother: A Portrait of Resilience and Determination

My mother stands as a testament to the power of resilience and determination in the face of adversity. Despite the profound loss of my father just six months ago, she continues to navigate the complexities of grief with grace and courage. Her journey is a testament to the indomitable human spirit's capacity to overcome even the most daunting of challenges.

What sets my mother apart is not just her ability to weather life's storms but her unwavering commitment to personal growth and self-improvement. In her mid-30s, she defied societal expectations and pursued her GED and nursing degree, embodying the belief that it's never too late to chase your dreams. Her journey from adversity to achievement serves as a source of inspiration to me and to all who know her, a reminder that strength knows no bounds.

But perhaps what makes my mother truly special is her boundless capacity for love. Despite her own grief, she remains a pillar of strength and support for our family, her love serving as a guiding light in even the darkest of times. Her unwavering dedication to her family and her unwavering love to me and my family have been a source of comfort and inspiration to me, shaping the person I am today.

Jane's Mother: A Beacon of Faith and Family

The passing of my late wife, Jane, at the tender age of 33 left a void in my life that seemed insurmountable. Yet, in the midst of my grief, her mother emerged as a beacon of hope and solace, offering her unwavering support and love during my darkest hours.

What sets Jane's mother apart is her unwavering faith in God and her deep-rooted belief in the power of family. Despite the unimaginable loss we endured, she remained steadfast in her conviction that love would see us through, her faith serving as a source of strength and comfort in times of uncertainty.

But perhaps what makes Jane's mother truly remarkable is her capacity for empathy and compassion. In her, I found a kindred spirit, someone who understood the depths of my grief because she too had experienced profound loss. Her ability to empathize with my pain and her willingness to walk alongside me on my journey of healing have left an indelible mark on my heart, a reminder of the transformative power of love to transcend even the greatest of tragedies.

She has and continues to embrace the totality of my blended family, treating my wife as a daughter of sorts, as demonstrated by her request for Ellen to attend the recent "mother-daughter banquet" at her church. It takes a measure of grace to kindly love in this way.

Ellen's Mother: A Paragon of Love and Generosity

Ellen, my second wife's mother, embodies the true essence of maternal love and kindness. A mother of nine children herself, she welcomed me into her family with open arms, treating me as one of her own from the very beginning. I will forever be grateful for that!

What sets Ellen's mother apart is her boundless capacity for love and generosity. From the moment I entered her life, she showered me with affection and acceptance, her love serving as a beacon of light in even the darkest of times. Her unwavering support and encouragement have been a source of strength and inspiration, propelling me forward on my journey with renewed hope and determination.

But perhaps what makes Ellen's mother truly extraordinary is her unwavering commitment to her family that extends to over 150 people through the generations. Despite the demands of raising nine children of her own, she always made time for each of us, her love and devotion serving as a constant reminder of the importance of family bonds and Christ centered marriage. In her, I found not just a mother-in-law but a second mother, someone whose love and guidance have enriched my life in countless ways.

Ellen: My Rock, My Heart, My Everything

Last but certainly not least, there's Ellen, my incredible second wife, whose love knows no bounds. For the past 24 years, she has been the heart and soul of our family, devoting herself wholeheartedly to our five children and to me.

What sets Ellen apart is her unwavering commitment to our family. As a stay-at-home mom and multi-company bookkeeper, she wears many hats with grace and ease, juggling the demands of motherhood and marriage with unwavering dedication. Her boundless love, unwavering support, and infectious laughter have brought immeasurable joy into my life, reminding me each day of the profound blessings that surround me.

Ellen's exceptional creativity and wisdom serve as guiding lights in our lives, shaping not only my own journey but also profoundly influencing each of our children. Her boundless imagination infuses our home with warmth and inspiration, sparking countless moments of joy and discovery. Whether she's crafting whimsical stories to enchant our children or designing innovative solutions to life's challenges, Ellen's creative spirit infuses every aspect of our family life with vitality and possibility. Moreover, her wisdom offers invaluable guidance and insight, helping me navigate the complexities of parenthood and personal growth with grace and clarity. Through her profound understanding of human nature and her unwavering compassion, Ellen teaches our children—and me—the importance of empathy, integrity, and resilience. Her creative brilliance and sage wisdom are gifts that enrich our lives immeasurably, shaping us into individuals who embrace the world with open hearts and minds, ready to embrace each new adventure with courage and grace.

But perhaps what makes Ellen truly special is her unwavering belief in me. From the moment we met, she saw the potential within me, encouraging me to chase my dreams and never give up on myself. Her faith in my abilities has been a source of strength and inspiration, empowering me to reach for the stars and live life to the fullest.

In conclusion, as I reflect on the remarkable women who have shaped my life, I am filled with an overwhelming sense of gratitude. To my mother, Jane's mother, Ellen's mother, and to Ellen herself, I am eternally grateful for the love, strength, and wisdom you have bestowed upon me. You are the true embodiment of motherhood, and I am blessed beyond measure to have you in my life.

While this week may not have brought any business deductions or professional achievements worth mentioning, it has afforded me the opportunity to celebrate the incredible women who have shaped my life in profound ways.