Remembering

I didn't know before this year, but the Saturday before Mother's day is recognized as Birthmother's Day. One expert suggested using this day to encourage your child to celebrate and remember their first mother. That way, on Mother's Day, they don't feel conflicted, guilty and confused about which mother to celebrate. Since I was unsure of exactly how to go about celebrating Birthmother's Day with an eight month old,  I was excited when Agape announced their first Run for Mom race, scheduled for the Saturday before Mother's day.  Since the big boys had soccer games at the same time, Addison and I made plans for a special Momma/Daughter date at the race. ( yes, she looked forward to it for weeks )
Actually, I had to wake her up to leave, even though we skipped out on the 5K and just registered for the 1 mile Fun Run. We got to visit with several friends who came out for the race and were thrilled that KC and big sister Olivia came to keep us company! KC and JW are heading to Ethiopia in a matter of WEEKS to meet their new daughter!
Addison wore her birthmother's name on the back of her baby carrier ( yes, I packed 20 lbs on the Fun Run. Does that make up for the fact that we were smoked by a bunch of school aged kids and came in almost last?)

 I have visions of attending every year, maybe pushing a stroller next year, walking hand in hand the next , until the year that she can outrun me ( which should be... oh... around age 5 or so ).

 

Remembering, honoring, thanking, the Mother across the ocean who chose Life. Who nurtured a new  Life for seven days.Who made very sure that this little Life, would have a chance to thrive. Who traveled long distances, to the big city , to do everything within her power to secure a forever home for the child that she nurtured within her own body. There just aren't words.