Tomorrow I will have the privilege and pleasure of being a small part of a sweet girl’s high school graduation party. I made cupcakes. Tomorrow I will help in her mama’s kitchen. As I worked on the cupcakes today, I was surprised at my emotions. I felt like I was a part of her family—feeling their excitement and pride in what she has accomplished and what she will become. I have the privilege of being backstage at her party without the pressure of being in charge as I was for our daughters’ parties.

I wondered if this feeling was part of being a mom. The Marines have a saying, “Once a Marine, always a Marine.” I have a saying, “Once a mom, always a mom.” Maybe that’s where the joy and excitement for this young lady came from. She is a delight. She and her family are dear friends of ours. I’m not her mom, but maybe a surrogate auntie.

Life is all about relationships. For me relationships are the cake and the icing on the cake. Tomorrow I will have my cake and eat it too.

Brenda Garrison is an author and speaker who empowers women with the confidence to live their calling. Brenda is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science Degree in Ministry Leadership with a Concentration in Women’s Ministry at Moody Bible Institute. She and her husband, Gene, are the parents of three young adult daughters and live near Metamora, IL.