Why Being A Mumsie Is Better Than Being A Grandma Everyone has grandparents, however, very few are blessed enough to say they have a Mumsie. Which is why I thank God that I am one of the blessed few who has had the distinct privilege of growing up in this world with a Mumsie. Deriving from British origin, the term “Mumsie” was originally used when referring to a “mother-like figure of whom possesses a traditional appearance and style.” And quite honestly, I could not think of a more accurate way to describe your overall role in my life. Being human, we all bear internal values and beliefs that are molded by our environment and life experiences. We all know and accept this but very rarely do we take the time to acknowledge the people who make up and impact our lives. This is why it is very important to me that you realize just how much your presence in my growing up has, hands down, become one of the most influential pillars in the foundation for all that is good in me. That being said, I’d like to list a few of the life lessons in which you have instilled upon me and that will forever hold true in my life. It is something, which I like to refer to as, “The 10 Mumsie Commandments.” 1. Since early childhood, you have taught me the importance in, not only living as an individual, but in thinking as an individual as well. And how responding to anything by saying, “I don’t know,” should never be acceptable because we all have our own opinions that deserve to be expressed and vocalized. For it is our unique opinions and beliefs which we hold true in this world that shape our defining sense of self-worth and purpose. 2. You taught me that true love always conquers all and that it is true love in our lives that grant us the strength to fight for what we want most in this world. And you’ve shown me how in order to overcome times of oppression and struggle, we must learn how to listen to and follow the will of our heart, because this is the only way in which we can successfully summon our internal drive to keep fighting and never give up hope. 3. You taught me how to carry myself with class and elegance through the execution of proper posture, good manners and dinning etiquette, strong pronunciation when speaking, and how to hold my own in this world with a sense of innovative sophistication. 4. You taught me how to dance, laugh, love and live my life each and every day to it’s absolute fullest. 5. You taught me how the use of any good white lie could be used to help get out of any uncomfortable situation with ease and ensured me that if there was ever a time where I could not craft one of my own, that I could always use you as my scapegoat. 6. You taught me to never apologize for anything in life that brought me laughter and joy because I should never have to justify what makes me happy. 7. You told me once to, “play the field,” when it came to dating and to above all else always have fun. 8. Most importantly, you’ve shown me the true meaning of unconditional love by example of how you live and conduct your life. 9. You have taught me the virtues of loyalty and trust. 10. And you have always taught me that to live life with spiritual faith is to live life with self-strength and worth. I have never once in all my 24 years referred to you as my grandmother, but only as “My Mumsie.” And whenever I do and people ask me if that is what I call my grandma, I always reply with, “No, that is what I call my Mumsie. Trust me, there is a huge difference.” And it comforts me to know that I am fortunate enough to have you in my life so that I may know this difference. I have spent my entire life idolizing you as my real life super hero. I have even described you to people as being like my super man only better, because unlike Clark Kent, my mumsie has no Kryptonite. And you should know that I treat you as a royal not just because you are my Mumsie, but also because I believe, with every fiber of my being and then some, that your existence on this earth is like a pure emerald gem of electricity. And if I am able to grow into becoming even just half of the incredible woman that you are, I will spend every passing night for the rest of my life gazing up into the sky and thanking all my lucky stars to have been so fortunate and blessed.