Me, posing with my beautiful mother in my childhood home.

I wouldn’t have my femininity without the women who raised me; they showed me what it means to be a girl living in this world.

From my personality to my figure, I am my mother’s daughter. My mom always taught me that I can do anything I want to if I just put my mind to it; I couldn’t be any more grateful for that beautiful woman. She exerts so much of her love and energy into my siblings and me without expecting anything in return. Without her, I wouldn’t be the carefree person I am today.

Although she didn’t raise me, my sister has shaped me most of all. From her apartment in Reno, Nevada, Bryena has taught me what love is supposed to look like. She is my best friend, my soul-tie, my twin flame, and much more. There has not been a single day where my beautiful big sister wasn’t there to fix all of my problems. 

When my mother wasn’t available to take care of me, my grandma was there to guide my path. She would take me shopping, making me try on every piece of clothing I would find; I might’ve hated that experience at the time, but now it makes a big difference. My grandma would watch Hallmark movies and play Facebook games all the time, and I have no idea how she didn’t get frustrated with me constantly standing over her shoulder during them. Although I may not say it all the time, I would not be where I am today without the assistance of my grandparents.

Even if she may be far away now, my Mema has always been there to support me with every endeavor I have pursued. Whether she was teaching me how to sew, knit, and crochet, or how to bake, Mema put so much time and effort into giving me all her love. She has made it very clear to me how much she loves me. With her being around six hours away, I know that she cannot physically be there for me whenever I need her, but I know that she is always just a phone call away from me.

For as long as I can remember, Emily Miller has been there not only for me but also for every one of my siblings. My mother’s best friend has been the best second mother I could have ever asked for. She lights up any room that she walks into with her infectious smile and laugh; she has never failed to cheer me up in some of my darkest moments. Whenever I’m in her presence, she exerts such a caring and welcoming energy. I am so thankful that my mom introduced me to such a beautiful woman.

Without these highly influential women, I have no idea where I would be. They have all taught me different things, each one just as important as the next. Having the ability to say “These women raised me” is one of the most beautiful things I could ever dream of.