Moms and Birthmoms

Why is it that the very best Mother's Day gift is time away from your children? Ironic, but very true. Mike took the boys out Friday night so I could get some stuff done around the house and have some ME time. It was wonderful. He even came home and put them to bed all by himself. Saturday I got to spend the entire day with one of my most favorite people and longest ever friends--Jeanette. There could not have been a better day. The weather was spectacular, fabulous shopping--fantastic deals at every turn, great food, amazing treats, belated birthday presents, and unbeatable company. When I came home I was so happy to see all my boys and glad to be able to spend a few minutes with them before bed. It was a perfect prelude to Mother's Day.

Mother's Day brought a delicious breakfast, more thoughtful gifts, and dinner with friends and their families. But it also brought me memories of all my Mother's Days past and thoughts of the brave and selfless ladies that gave me the gift of motherhood.

I know what it's like to go to church on Mother's Day when you're not a mother, but you think you should be. People wonder why you're not--perhaps you're a baby hater or just love your career more than family. Others know why and look at you and feel bad for you. You sit and remember all the inappropriate comments people have made to you and wonder if everyone thinks things like that. You hope they don't--you'll never know because you'll never ask because you really don't want to talk about it. The men give you a flower even though you're not a mom, which is nice, but then you don't really want it because it's a physical reminder of what you're not, but then you kind of do want it because it makes you a little hopeful that someday you will get the blessing of being a mom. Like it's some sort of fortune telling flower or something. You think of your own mom and how great she is. Thats really how you get through--on the gratitude you have for your own mom and grandmas and all the great moms out there. But eventually that just circles you back to how you wish you were one--because you would try so hard and you have so much to offer, but you're just not a mom. I'm glad those are just memories. Fairy tales DO come true.

But then I also thought of the amazing birth mothers out there. How could I not? Who may or may not have children of their own currently to spend the day with. I thought about what they might be thinking and feeling. I hope they know how much they are thought of, how much they are appreciated, how many prayers are said for them. My eyes well up with tears when I get that gratitude feeling in my heart for them. It's my opinion that there is no greater gift on earth than family. And to be able to give that gift to someone who otherwise would never have it, well I think they should all go straight to heaven.

At the close of my Mother's Day I sat in a quiet house with my feet up, wearing the spa neck wrap and mittens that Mike bought me (feeling great and looking silly), and I just counted my blessings. It was a very great day.

P.S. If you ever have the chance to go here . . .

(Trophy Cupcakes in Seattle)

And get one of these . . .

(Red Velvet Cupcake with a red heart on top)

. . . well you really should. And actually Molly Moon Ice Cream is even better, but I didn't get a photo. It's a local homemade parlor type shop. I have to recommend the salty caramel ice cream along side the chocolate. WOW. Thanks for a great day Jeanette! I'm a better mom because of it.