On Mother's Day

A friend posted this item on the old Facebook today, and I feel compelled to pass it along:

A Tale of Three Mothers on Mother's Day

I was truly moved by this raw, beautiful story.

I had a wonderful Mother's Day. It was fun. I felt special. I am so blessed by my husband and daughter. But the whole day I was mindful of what a difficult day it is/was for so many people. Because while Mother's Day reminds us to be grateful for what blessings we have, it is also a pin-pricking reminder of what we're missing. People who have never had a good relationship with their mother, people whose mother is gone, people who are dying to be mothers but are infertile or are not at that point in their lives for whatever reason...you get the idea. There's a lot of pain associated with this Hallmark holiday.

And I won't pretend like I understand when it comes to Mother's Day, but one month from now, it will be Father's Day, and I'll be on that ship. Reminded by every commercial or card aisle or friendly cashier who asks me if I have a Father's Day gift yet of the void, the sadness, the grief in my life. I am grateful that now I can change my focus to make Father's Day about Adah and her father, but it stings, it always will.

So this is a good story. And a good reminder - to appreciate where people are at, love them in that place, and love yourself in the process. To all of the beautiful, amazing women I know who have already been or are now on a journey towards adoption - I thought of you as I read this article. And I am proud to know you. Happy Mother's Day to you.