Mother's Day had that bittersweetness to it this year. All week I could not stop thinking about the kids' birthmothers. I will forever be in awe of the depth of their love for these kids ~ that they knew their only hope for a future would be in another family so far away. With the kids' improving English, they have been able to share cute stories and memories of their early years with their families. We get a better sense of their history and of their little personalities as they do that. Ange-Laurette told a story of a mean babysitter who her mom "fired" after Ange-Laurette tattled on her. Pierre told how he and his dad had bought his mom a special ceramic plate for a "Mother's Day" one year. The plate would be used only for special visitors to their home.
So, we tried to think of a way to honor these women on Mother's Day in a way that could become a tradition for years to come. After church, we took the kids to the florist. They each wrote a note to their birthmothers on a small card and rolled it up. They chose a helium balloon in their mom's favorite color and put the note inside. (Nate wanted to do the same for his great-grandma that has died.) Then, we went to the park....prayed thanks and praise over these women...and released the balloons. Unfortunately, the strong South Dakota winds immediatly carried them in the direction of Alaska...but that is ok!
That seemed to make the day all that it should be. I was able to enjoy them and their handmade gifts better after that. I cannot believe my fortune in being able to share their lives and be their new "Mom."
