Brook and Ethan as teens with their mama at our Southwest Harbor home.
Years ago I would fall asleep calculating — when Brook is 8, Ethan will be 5, when Brook is 28, Ethan will be 25. Now Brook is 35 and Ethan is 32. Somehow the years have flown by, and I’m still on the greatest adventure of all. Being a mother.
Just two days ago, I said to my pregnant friend Julie, “It’s the end of an era.” She was about to hop on that ship of motherhood, which may pitch headlong into huge waves, be calm on windless days, but there’s no turning back. You can only go forward.
Yesterday, at 2:17 p.m., Mira Clementine Ray was born. Welcome little Mira!
I’ve spoken to Brook and Ethan today. I’m grateful for their amazing selves, the flowers, the blingy card, the pedicure, but most of all I’m grateful for all they’ve taught me about life, myself and being a kind, caring human being.
I’m also grateful for my dear women friends who have helped me become a better mother: Kathleen Bowman, Andrea Gabel-Richards, Martha Dudman, Olivia Hurd, Kate Russell Henry, Claire Kohrman, Barbara Cooney, Phyl Brazee, Penelope Starr, Chris Graves, Faith Ball, and all those insightful, strong women I haven’t mentioned.
Julie, deah, welcome to the club!
Tucson Writer Editor 
Sheila, deah, this is so touching. Happy Mother’s Day!
Thanks Kasia! And I just held my friend Julie’s 24-hours young baby, Mira, which brought back so many memories!
Dear Sheila,
I am touched and honored by your words. You have likewise taught me so much as you’ve weathered some stormy, scary seas in your ship of motherhood, with strength, grace and undying love. Happy Mother’s day to us all!
Haven’t we all sailed some rough seas, Kathleen? Isn’t that what mothers do? I held my dear friend Julie’s new baby today and so many memories flooded in. I’d do it all again for my two beautiful babies who have become such magnificent adults.
Yes, Happy Mother’s Day to us all!
Happy Mother’s Day Sheila! Your children are lucky to have such an incredible mama! As are all of us who have the privilege of calling you friend.
You are so kind, Holly. It’s so wonderful to see naturally wonderful young mamas like you and Julie. What keeps our planet going and gives us all hope!
Dear Sheila,
Thank you for your kind words. It has been a privilege to be part of your exciting journey through motherhood and selfhood. There is something to say about commitment and persistence!
I look forward to seeing you this summer.
Thanks Andrea! Looking forward to seeing you too. Forward on the ship of motherhood and selfhood — they’re so intertwined.