SALT LAKE CITY — A wise man (or woman) once said, “It takes a village to raise a child.” And to his or her credit, this statement is absolutely, undoubtedly, without question true. I have seen this in my own life, in the lives of friends, and most recently in the lives of my own children.

As I have reflected on Mother’s Day, I've thought about my own mother, as well as the collective “mothers” who have had a hand in raising me, and I have come to the conclusion that it takes mothers to raise a child.

Now, before you think that I am dogging dads, I am not. Dads will soon have their day, one I look forward to very much. But this being Mother’s Day, I would like to pay homage to the many women in my life who are exemplary mothers and who I have learned so much from along my way.

For starters, there are my grandmothers. These remarkable women raised my parents and also taught me the timeless art of parenting. With human nature remaining constant, kids were the same yesterday as they are today, and I cherish and use the advice passed on to me by my grandmothers.

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How I learned to celebrate Mother's Day without a mom

After losing my mother 4 years ago, I would dread Mother's Day. However, after a few life lessons, I learned to celebrate the holiday again.

I am also grateful to my second mom, aka my older sister, Megan. She was there when I had questions about boys, then about men, and back to boys again when we had sons two years apart. While she is no longer with me here on earth, her example of motherhood will stay with me forever.

To all the teachers and caregivers, thank you for teaching me, loving me and doing the same with my children. Seeing the way you love other children like you do your own is the perfect example of how love grows and doesn’t divide.

And with teachers comes all the working moms I have come in contact with. Your example of selflessness and doing all you can to help support your family has stayed with me and helped me when I have had to do the same.

My next shout-out goes to all my friends’ moms and neighbors who kept a watchful eye on me and who invited me into their homes. Thank you for treating me with the same love you did your own children and for making the best mac and cheese this girl has ever tasted.

Thank you to the mother of eight whom I have never met but saw on TV. Your example of staying fit and active made an impression on me as a teenager that I have carried into my own motherhood.

All the single moms out there who raised wonderful children — some of whom I count among my best friends — thank you for not giving up. Your example of perseverance through trials and struggles has helped me through my own trials.

I appreciate my peers within my own mothering circles. I enjoy reading your posts, seeing your pictures, and I have cherished our conversations. Thank you for lending your shoulder for me to cry on, your living room for me to vent in and your friendship for me to hold tight to. More than anything, thank you for loving my children and playing a large part in helping me raise them.

Last, but certainly not least: my own mother. Thank you for giving me life, for raising me, for teaching me, for giving me experiences, for loving me and for still loving me despite me being … me.

To all you mothers out there, old and young, newbies and seasoned vets: Your impact on your own children as well as on children everywhere is insurmountable. It takes mothers to raise a child, and I am grateful to every one of you. Happy Mother’s Day!

Arianne Brown is a mother of six who loves running the beautiful trails around Utah. For more articles by Arianne, "like" her Facebook page, follow her on Twitter @arimom5, or visit her blog, timetofititin.com. If you have a story to share, contact her at ariannebrown1@gmail.com.

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