by Andrea Naomi

Created on: January 19, 2008

Twenty eight years ago, my mother died. A car accident took her young life of 19 years. My mother had my sister who was 2 years old, and I- I was 3 years old. The question of raising daughters without women will never be answered. It is takes three or more women to impact a daughter without a mother. How many woman does it take to equal one mother?

My grandmother raised me. The wisdom and experience of her years impacted my ideas of tradition, marriage and the importance of self image of her time. My aunt taught me motivation, work ethic, and independence. My step-mother taught me about the changes in my body, my hormones, make-up, bras and maxi pads.

I have found wisdom, knowledge and new experiences from women that I have encountered over my 31 years of life. Virginia taught me about the importance of motivation, education, and pursuing dreams. Lisa taught me about become a stronger mother and standing up for myself and my family. Evelyn taught me about my spirituality and believing in myself when I have no faith left.

Even now, there are questions that need to be answered. The most embarrassing moment I have had was walking into Victoria Secrets asking a clerk about my bra. I had mentioned to her that my bra was cutting me and I thought I needed a bigger cup. The look on her face was a puzzled look. The clerk then explained to me the difference between the cup size and the strap size. I was embarrassed and turned red.

Medical issues have also affected me in ways of not knowing what all impacts a woman. Such as pregnancy. Going through three pregnancies, I was not alone. I had women around me telling me what they have gone through and what I would feel and not feel. The questions that were unanswered where those questions I had for my mother.

Raising daughters without women, is not an option. There will always be a woman who will unknowingly impact a young lady that is without a biological mother. This impact will remain with the young lady until the day she leaves her daughter without a biological mother.

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