Childbirth and labor are nothing compared to the pain of Motherhood. Still, I would do it all over again…with a lot of tweaking. Parenthood is a guilty affair. No matter how hard one tries, it is impossible to discharge the responsibility perfectly. Most mothers are the nurturers, the worriers. If you’re like me, my favorite time is bedtime when these frail shoulders carry the day’s burdens, crises, and concerns to a higher power; but not before I tip toe through each room making sure the covers are on, each curly head is in bed, no fires, no wild animals, and still I fight the temptation to check their pulses as they sleep to make sure no one succumbs to SIDS. 

There are many benefits we receive from our children: love, meaning and purpose, endless giving, and a sense of humor, not to mention the ho-made treasures and runny breakfast memories. Don’t let the parenting years get away! Your contributions to your children could rank as the greatest accomplishments in life. So remember the funny and joyous times of motherhood. There was the time I felt like a short-order cook, waitress, and busser all at one meal. No sooner was everyone’s four-course meal served when it was time to remove the plates and dish-out dessert. I mentioned, “There better be a good tip.” After the kids cleared the table, I was gathering plates when I noticed some coins underneath one, eighty-three cents to be exact. There was also the mini-vacation when our autistic son gave a peep-show of his sleeping, undressed father to all the motel guests standing by via the wooden blinds. “Open, shut,” he smiled.

Children come without instructions. We pretty well have to assemble them on our own. Believe it or not, children want their parents more than the junk we buy them. Another reality is that you cannot take total responsibility for the outcome of your kids for they do have a free will, and some are determined to exercise it. It doesn’t hurt or disappoint any less. Children only increase our prayer time, and God always goes after the prodigal. Come on, you got this MOM! 

On this day of honor, we thank all moms for their courageous love and sacrifice. To birthmothers who lovingly chose adoption for their children and to those who gave the love of their hearts to adopt children, we say to these and all mothers, thank you, for your love does not go unnoticed. There is no greater gift than the gift of life. We love you all the days of our lives.

“Be strong and do not lose courage, for there is reward for your work.”

Happy Mother’s Day!

-Angela Michael