It has been about 25 years since I held my very first precious baby. I had just flown across the county, when this adorable baby boy was placed in my arms. I can remember it like it was yesterday. I can smell him and remember how it felt to caress his head. I can see his baby blue eyes. Two hours later we were strolling the mall with him, and stopped at a bench to sit. An older woman came over to oooh and ahhhhh at our baby, asking all the expected questions. Then she asked a question I couldn't answer. I said "I don't know, we have only had him a couple hours." She was so surprised, until I told her we had just come from the adoption office. Her face was amazed, she looked like I felt. Amazed, stunned, awed, that this little one I had only just met, was now my son. What a miracle! I felt so very blessed, so lucky, so happy!
Many years later, my baby daughter was placed on my chest, all messy and wonderful. Her thick dark hair covering her tiny head. What was this feeling? All encompassing wonderment! Here I was, a mother again. I was a birth mother. Did it feel different? No, the same awe, the same stunned amazement was in my heart and mind. I looked her over and was totally overwhelmed with thankfulness and joy!
And then my youngest son flew into this world in less than an hour. I was shaking so much I feared I might drop him. But I held him, and felt such a rush of joy! His perfectly round messy head, so soft and downy. I barely slept that first night, laying in our hospital room, listening to him breathing. Gazing at him a million times. I felt so blessed, so much gratitude!
I have been given three gifts of untold beauty. How did I ever deserve these treasures? I have lived my mother life, being the best I can be to my children. I have learned so very much and grown so much from being their mother. They have taught me many lessons. They are still teaching me even now they are mostly grown up.
But I know that no matter how old they are, they will always be my children. Even as I strive to grow with them, and adjust my mothering with their new needs, they will still be my children. I know they don't belong to me, they belong to themselves.
I am so thankful for being a mother. I am so blessed to have met these wonderful souls.
Many hugs of love to my wonderful children.
Hugs to you all,
Happy Mother's Day
On a cold but sunny day
12 hours ago
22 comments:
Your children must be so proud of YOU! What a sweet tribute to them. And it sparked memories about my own children's first moments. Sweet smells and bad hair! Where did that time go?
May you have a wonderful Mother's Day. Well deserved, I think!
Many warm hugs,
Jan
xoxo
Happy Mothers Day to you !! I am an adopted child and have always felt special and so blessed! One does not have to be born from a womb,just from the heart! oh, those sweet baby smells..they change as our babies grow and remain just as sweet!
Terri, such lovely post! happy mother's day!
Yours is a tale told with beauty Terri. Penny x
My son came into our lives 25 years ago also. Where has the time gone? I was only blessed with one but he means the world to me.
Have a wonderful Mothers Day I hope you get to spend it with your dear ones!!
Happy Mother's Day, Terri! I loved reading your post.
Debby
Such a beautiful post! Wishing you a very Happy Mother's Day!
What a moving goosebump filled post Terri! I've never had children but can enjoy your awesome experiences from afar!! How totally blessed you are with your sweet children and they also, with you as their Mother!
Happy Mothers Day to you!
Lynn
What a beautiful commentary on what is FEELS to be a mother!
What a beautiful post, Terri! I know from my friends who have adopted children or are adopted that it doesn't feel any different. That is your baby. How lovely that you have been able to experience adopting and being a birth mother.
Happy Mother's Day!
xo
Claudia
What a lovely post, my oldest is at Uni, and I miss her, but she calls to tell me she loves me, and that is a special gift from her to me. She called me today, so I am happy. My youngest, an eighteen year old son, still hugs me and tells me he loves me, so I've done something right. Happy Mother's Day. I love your blog, by the way, Judith x
You have expressed so well the wonder of holding the new one, the miracle, and the love that we've never known until that moment.
Happy Mother's Day, Terri..enjoy every moment of this day and the reflection it brings.
xox Rella
there really isn't anything better than being a mom ... what a heartfelt and wonderful tribute to your babes!
Happy Mother's Day!!!
Terri, your post was beautiful...There is nothing as deep and strong as a mother's love.
Live Creatively!
Patti
Beautiful post.
Ther is nothing quite like that feeling of holding our baies for the very first time
Alison
So beautiful Terri...wonderful and inspiring to read..very heart- warming..hugs..just beautiful!! Happy Mother's day to you and wishing you and your family many blessings!
Wonderful post!
Kiki~
Your tea cup is beautiful¡I have the same one in my colecction and I was thinking send it to Cielo in The hose in the roses for her Victorian party...at least I sent another one
Would you like a cup of tea?I invite you to my party
What wonderful touching words Terri....you are blessed.
And so are your children :-)
Hope you had a great Mothers Day.
What a beautiful store. I don't even have children and you have me all teary eyed.
What a beautiful post. Just lovely. Those are such precious memories that we hold so dear to our hearts. I too am blessed with three wonderful children.
- The Tablescaper
What a loving post, Terri!
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