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I used to sob and mope, but that was before acceptance. Now, I honor the amazing women I have in my life who are mothers, the amazing women who have shown me love, and I remind those with mothers to cherish them.

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My mother, through violent nights and lonely days, taught me more about fathers than her husband ever did. I looked to her – trapped in a cycle that made her feel too worthless or powerless or insignificant to leave – and admired all the things a father should be.