In many households, Mother’s Day includes breakfast in bed, flowers, and maybe a gift or two. Not that any of those things won’t be happening in our household (hint, hint, hint) but I cannot celebrate the joy of being Abby’s mother without first acknowledging her birthmother, L. I cannot celebrate my love and joy without taking a moment to pause and know that when her children wish her “Happy Mother’s Day!” tomorrow that one child she carried for nine months will not be there. Even as we try to celebrate the miracle of adoption each and every day, it can be easy to overlook the pain that accompanies the beauty.
So right now I want to say Happy Mother’s Day to L! She is an amazing woman who loves her children, all of them, and it was through our adoption journey together that I was able to see selfless love played out firsthand. The choice that a birthmother makes to place her child to allow him or her to have a better life is the most selfless thing a person can do, placing all needs before her own. I cannot imagine the difficulty in making such a decision and am in awe of her strength and courage to do so. Without her, I would not have the opportunity and the privilege of celebrating Mother’s Day on Sunday.
Thank you, L, for everything. We love you and pray for you daily!
In honor of L, I want to share this beautiful video called The Agape Project:
For more about the Agape Project click here!
This is one of my favorite adoption poems and have included it in Abby’s lifebook:
Once there were two expectant mothers.
One carried and cared for you beneath her beating heart
She became your Birthmother.
The other carried the hope of you within her.
She became your Mom.
As the days passed, and you grew bigger and stronger,
Your Birthmother knew that she could not give you all you needed after your birth.
Meanwhile, your Mom was ready and waiting for you.
One day your Birthmom and your Mom found each other.
They looked into each others eyes and saw a friend.
Your Birthmom saw the life your Mom could give you.
Your Mom saw how much your Birthmom loved and cared for you.
They decided that what you needed was both kinds of love in your life.
So now you have two families,
One by birth, the other by adoption.
And you have a home where you can get:
your questions answered,
your boo boos bandaged,
your heartaches soothed,
And much needed hugs.
And a place where you can find:
answers to your questions,
your image in the mirror,
a part of yourself,
And much needed hugs.
Two different kinds of families
Two different kinds of love
Both a part of you.
