I gave birth to a 9lbs 4oz baby boy when I was 14 years old, and I said goodbye back then as we entered into a closed adoption.
I remember my first birth mother’s day in 2000. I had been attending the monthly birth mother meetings and loved learning and sharing. When I arrived at the tea room for the event, I almost turned around, instead I mustered up the courage to walk in. I started tearing up when I was welcomed with a carnation since this was the first time I was publicly acknowledged as my first son’s mother.
That day I became the mother of two sons. From that day forward I did not shy away from talking about my child. If my family or friends became uncomfortable, I acknowledged that but did not hide.
Birth mother’s make difficult decisions because of the love we feel for our children. We look at strangers that may be around the age of our children and wonder – could that be him/her? And we wait.
My son John and I have had the best reunion – 47 years in the making. John and his life partner Melissa, my second son, Shawn and his life partner Tania and my granddaughter Sophie (John’s daughter,) love each other and it is like we were always one big happy family.
I send you blessings and love for a wonderful birth mother’s day. A very special thank you to Adoption Options for helping to make this day happen.
Luanne Whitmarsh