our “mothers.” Let me be frank and honest [as I naturally am any other time–and go on and say it]: Older women.
You see because it’s one thing for you to experience what she went through when you’re 16 through 20-something. But it’s a whole new emotional ballgame to have spent so many years [and built so many things with] one person only to experience that kind of loss in love at 61 years young J. And such things that happened that leave you with a question like: “Who were you all those years?”
The fact that her friend (of many years) is now her husband is remarkable. That fact that she was able to find love again (TRUE love–from someone who doesn’t “need” her or love her simply because she is Beyonce’s mother) to me-is remarkable. And too, (as she pens) she has the help of four different personality types that have helped her through. That was very touching to me-so I chose her story for that reason. I admire her (personal life) story and am happy for her (personally) as a woman-and how her story turned out–not just because she is “Beyonce’s” mother but she is a woman with a story worth being remarked.
Famous or not, she got wind beneath her wing a nick of time in life for her. And she had four women to thank for helping her through to that point-they just so happen to be famous. But it it her: personally…her personal story: A sad ending turning happy and new beginning…that I love.
LESSON HERE: The lesson here was really more of a reality check. You see, as a woman and relationship enthusiast-I’m very heavens-bent on sharing with women sensible and realistic points of views about the differences (and sameness) in men and women with regard to intimacy and relationship. But with regard to this situation, I have a thing that I hold true when it comes to something all women need to know about men (especially if she is hoping he is serious about her): Generally speaking, if a man is not “building” with you, you are apart of his experience in life and love if and until he decides he’s got the right woman for him. Men are builders. They like to be kings of castles, building things. Having great sex with you is not “building” anything. Needing to bunk out at your home and securing a key to your house is not necessarily “building” anything with you. ..things like that. When a man begins to build with a woman-significant things (outside of silly materialisms like purses, shoes, bags etc.), but rather, when he takes the initiative to build with a woman, castles for, with and around her…it is because he is weaving his web and wants to build forever with that woman. (That’s my general summary for now-I have a book I’ve been putting together on this-but for now, I will stop there on the details on men “building” with you). But as it pertains to Tina Knowles, she and Beyonce’s dad were together years before the industry, built businesses before Beyonce came “Beyonce” and were successful in regular life. They even went on to “build” a megastar (on top of all they built together). So, the reality check for me was: “Wow. What do you have to say about a man that builds with a woman who too, could tear those castles down?” My answer (for a while observing it all) was completely clueless-to be honest. But when her sad ending turn new beginning I got my answer. And it’s simple (and realistic).
Building doesn’t necessarily mean forever. It’s just means you got solidarity, good intent and commitment in places where all other’s did not-and together, yous had your time. So a man building with you is like better to have had the love and lost, than to have never had love at all. Because not every man “builds” with all the women in his life and he did “build” with her. But if he should decide for some reason to tear those castles down, hopefully you (the woman) is still open to love again and too, have good people who know and truly love you are there for you to see you through to happy-all over again.
Everything can be rebuilt.
Such is a heart.
Such is love.
Such is life.
And sometimes, that’s just how it goes.
“You Did It All On Your Own”
To Donnie, Ivanka and Eric
You are the greatest joy of my life. We’ve had some amazingly wonderful times together, and some sad and difficult ones.
But we’ve always gone through them together, and for that I am grateful.
When each of you was born, it was a day of rejoicing, a beginning of new hope with a new life. Each one of you has brought your unique personality to every situation, and the bond between you three is so strong and dynamic. You are three friends, three work colleagues, three siblings. And as much as your own families are growing, so too is mine. It’s hard to believe I am a “Glam-ma” of seven now—with more to come, I’m sure (right, Eric?).
You may have grown up in a rich, privileged home, but both your Dad and I worked hard to keep you grounded. You did your homework while we watched over you. You worked jobs in your summer holidays. You saved your “income” to buy skis and skateboards, and you know the value of hard work and money. We wanted you to have a great education as a strong foundation, and you all graduated from elite colleges—colleges you got into on your own grades, and distinguished yourself in by leaving with Honors degrees. You did it all on your own, and by supporting each other. You have grown into adults who can help change and shape this world, and I am sure each one of your will master your destiny. I couldn’t be more proud of you.
But as children, there are so many funny stories to tell! You were a fun-loving threesome always playing jokes on each other, on me and other friends. Remember the time you were all swimming off the boat in Italy? I sneaked around and threw “last night’s meatballs” into the water. Then with the Captain and crew we started yelling there was “poo poo” in the water. I’ve never seen three waterbabies get out of the water so quickly. When you realized what it was you all collapsed with laughter. And, I could see a plot hatching to get back at me! Those were the really happy days, and they have made for a wonderful life.
I thank you all for being the light and the loves of my life. You have made it all worthwhile. You share the love, and it all comes back to you and those you love in turn.
Love,
Mom
Trump is a socialite and a former athlete and fashion model
“It Is Important That Our Children Understand Humility”
Mom to Brooklyn, Cruz, Harper and Romeo
Being a mother is simply the greatest achievement of my life. It has taken me on an unexpected journey that can constantly surprise, educate and confuse me! The emotional connection I feel towards my children brings boundless elation and joy as well as the inevitable worry and concern.
They are a wonder to me every day. From a teenage son through to a toddler daughter, each moment of every day is filled with different energies, activities, feelings and a lot of comedy. From playing sport to lounging on the sofa, each of my children fill every second with laughter, music and discussion. They are kind hearted and well-mannered and have incredibly enquiring minds, and I feel incredibly blessed to be surrounded by these phenomenal human beings.
Being in a position where they live such a privileged life, it is important that our children understand humility, that they appreciate how their parents have worked very hard to create this life for the family and that they, too, have a responsibility to work hard, be respectful and never, ever take anything for granted.
My mother and father always encouraged me and my siblings, to have ambitions, and I hope that I can do the same with my children. I hope that I, together with their father, inspire them to dream big and be the best version of themselves that they can be.
Like so many working mothers all over the world, I feel the constant struggle to be the best mother I can, whilst setting a good example to my children to work hard. I travel for work when it’s necessary, and I miss them all the time when I am away. But they hide notes in my suitcase, which I love to find when unpacking, and I always bring photographs of all the family and put them by my bed so they are the first thing I see when I wake up and the last thing I see when I go to sleep. I love to hear their voices on the phone and seeing their faces—thank goodness for FaceTime. That sense of feeling connected makes being apart that little bit easier.
I have always been a great believer that women should support women, and my admiration goes out to mothers everywhere, as they constantly put their own needs behind those of their children, embracing daily uncertainties and entering the new uncharted territories that each day brings, to be, in return, rewarded with joy and unending love.
HAPPY MOTHERS DAY Xvb
Beckham, formerly of the Spice Girls, is an acclaimed fashion designer
“I Cannot Protect You From the World”
To Aimee, Jack and Kelly
I still remember the first thing I thought when I became a mom. It was, “Oh, God, what do I do with this baby?”
I had no experience. I never thought I would become a mom. None of my friends had children. So in the first couple weeks after you were born, Aimee, I was in shock, just panicked, thinking, “How do I take care of you? What am I meant to do?” Ozzie had two children with his first wife, so he was more equipped than I was. He was always very good after I breastfed, he would settle you down. But I was still overwhelmed.
Then, over a few months, I became a lioness. I’m now terribly overprotective. I will always stand by you and be there for you. You’ll never fall because I’m there to catch you. But I’ve also learned, especially over the past five years, that I can’t fix everything. I cannot protect you from
