All that I have gained. . .

Let me start with a disclaimer, a warning for the weepy -- I am pensive and maybe even a little sappy today. Why? Well, there are a few reasons. 1. Today is the 3 month anniversary of our Forever Family Day. 2. Today is Mother's Day in Guatemala. 3. Someone (again) remarked on how "lucky" Brayden is to be so loved. This well meaning comment always sends me into deep thought about just how "lucky" I am. I don't really believe in lucky, I believe in blessings. . . and I have been so blessed to have this little boy in my life.

Mother's Day -- man, this is a hard one for me. I've not been a fan of this holiday for the past few years, since it served as a stinging reminder that I was not yet a mother. Now that I am, it seems like there should be celebration. . . but I am still coming to terms with what all this mother stuff means. As I think of all that I have gained in the past 3 months, I am reminded of all that she had to lose -- she being Brayden's birthmom. His first mother, the mother that gave him life, biological and otherwise. The mother that made a culturally unpopular decision to allow Americans to adopt her child because we could give him the life that she wanted for him. The mother that loved him in a way that most people can't understand. Today I am sure that she is thinking of our little boy. I pray that she has peace when she thinks of him and that she can somehow know that he is doing well.

I have been trying to think of a way that we will honor Brayden's birthparents on Mother's Day and Father's Day, but I haven't come up with anything yet. I am looking at different organizations that work in Guatemala to make a special donations, but I also want us to do something active that Brayden will be able to share in. . . I'm open to ideas and hoping that something seems "right" soon. For now, we will just send our love and prayers -- Happy Mother's Day, Birthmom.