Happy Mother’s Day

The last time I really celebrated Mother’s Day was in 2003. I lost my mom in 2004, and with no children of my own there was no one to really celebrate with any more.

I was adopted by my parents shortly after birth. Back in the early 1950’s, adoptions were handled far differently than they are today. Mine was arranged by my mother’s family physician, who was also a friend of the family. The whole event was shrouded in secrecy.

me and my mother, circa 1953

My family never talked much about the adoption, but I always knew I was a special child, and much loved. I was fortunate to wind up with a loving, caring family. Not everyone in my position is that lucky.

mom and me in 2002, visiting my aunt in Florida

In 2002, I took my mother to visit my aunt in Florida. It was the first and only time she was ever on an airplane. I remember pushing her through the Atlanta airport in a wheelchair so she wouldn’t have to do all that walking. She thoroughly enjoyed that trip, and I’m glad I was able to make it happen.

After mom died, I made an attempt to find out about my birth parents. After several years, and much effort, I gave up the search after reaching nothing but dead ends. The court records were made available to a Confidential Intermediary (CI), but it was apparent that the social workers of that time made up fictitious names to protect the identities of all involved. I decided it just wasn’t meant to be, and I’m OK with that.

So I guess today I am sending out Mother’s Day wishes to both my mothers – the one who gave me birth, and the one who took me in and raised me as her own. After Mom died, I found a stash of cards she had saved over the years. Included were many of the Mother’s Day cards I had sent her. They ranged from the serious to the silly, which reflected the kind of relationship we shared. I guess she appreciated the cards even more than I realized when I sent them.

old cards from me to Mom

So in closing, I want to wish a Happy Mother’s Day to all the Mothers out there!