A Mother's Day

This week was a complete right off. There is literally a three day flu circulating our area. It comes suddenly with stomach pain, followed by dizziness, hot and cold sweats then vomiting. The second day is diarrhea followed by the third day of more stomach pains and headaches. So far five of us have been sick and I hope it stops there! One thing I dread having a large family is illnesses. It doesn't last three days, it lasts weeks on end! One of our sons had vomit absolutely everywhere and during this time our dog once again rolled in horse manure. It was a complete mess to write it lightly. Then it was my turn. It's one thing to be involved cleaning the mess over and over again, it's another when you're the mess! So today I'm dragging myself around like a wounded bear because I'm strong and fierce. (Ha ha) And pretending that my third day is awesome but in fact it should be a mending day where I go hibernate somewhere. It's not a possibility. Curling up in a warm blanket watching a love movie (The Notebook) or reading a book (The Help) sipping a nice warm chai latte is a wish but instead I have two home sick, two little ones and ten loads of laundry to file through and thinking about what's for dinner. Motherhood is wonderful. Thinking about "Mothers" Mother's Day is May 13th. One of our sons birthday's is May 12th. A very meaningful weekend. For this son he was never to be born. My second birth child I had an uterine rupture during labour where he came out from my uterus into my stomach. I wasn't suppose to live and after three blood transfusions here I am. The specialists explained I could never carry another child but I did with our third and final birth baby. After a surgery on my uterus and fertility drugs I was pregnant. I was hospitalized on strict bed rest where I learned how to crochet. He was born two months early on Mother's Day. I was bound and determined to give my husband a child as my other two were from a previous marriage. This was all before our journey into adopting our other children with unique stories of their own. My third baby was a miracle. Like a gift. After his birth I definitely could not have anymore children and that's when we started adopting. When I think about Mother's Day, I don't think about material gifts our children can give me......I think about all my gifts I already have. I was given the gift to Mother. I might not be the perfect one but Mothering is my life, it has been my gift from day one. I really believe everything happens for a reason......it might not be my reasons sometimes but there was a reason why I shouldn't have anymore children physically. That reason is obvious as it set our life with many more gifts to follow. (Children) Our life seemed already planned and I couldn't ask for much more. So today I don't complain, I'm clearly a bear that doesn't hibernate even if I wish too. I just feel very fortunate, a little teary and I wanted to share. Regardless how and where our children come from, they're meant to be and that's what makes a "Mother's Day"

"The gift of life"

I didn't give you the gift of life,
But in my heart I know.
The love I feel is deep and real,
As if it had been so.

For us to have each other
Is like a dream come true!
No, I didn't give you
The gift of life,
Life gave me the gift of you!

-unknown............

When I stumbled across this little poem it was beautiful. When I read it, I think about all our children. I don't feel I've given my birth children the gift of life as much as I didn't give our adoptive children the gift of life either. I believe we're all created and are here for gifts to each other.