Mother’s Day means so many different things to different people. As I reflect on the holiday this year, I think of the lessons my own journey in Motherhood has taught me.
As a child, one always dreams of what the future may look like; of what fabulous things in the fairy tale dream of your life are about to unfold. But life doesn’t always go as planned.
I certainly never dreamed of my life unfolding like it has.
But God handpicked a child just for me to be their mother—and I wouldn’t change his decision for anything. To adopt a child and love them as your own takes a person that God has prepared in advance to be everything they need you to be.
My daughter was a gift in and of herself, but also, a gift in showing me the woman He prepared me to be.
The Road Less Traveled
My journey to motherhood wasn’t along the most common road. I adopted my Madison more than two decades ago, a beautiful 2.5-month-old little girl born from a difficult circumstance… one that led to many special needs diagnosis.
To say that being the mother of a special needs child is easy would simply be a lie. It’s been anything but easy. To adopt a child and love them as your own takes a person that God has prepared in advance to be everything they need you to be.
Over the years, I’ll admit that it was a difficult road to take, adjusting to the fact that my daughter wasn’t like other kids. She isn’t in a wheelchair, so people can’t see her disability. For some, this seemed to make them think it is OK to say hurtful things, because she “looks normal.”
What is normal? Who decides what normal is?
Not me. Not you. God created each of us differently, uniquely.
But facing those people, being my daughter’s advocate and protector while she was growing up, though difficult… also showed me what I’m made of. And I’m so grateful for that.
A Fighter in Faith
God has helped me become an unstoppable woman and mother. He’s shown me through the years so many things I didn’t realize that I am. I didn’t realize I would fight for so many things in my life to be standing where I am today.
I realize now that I am a one-in-a-million-type of woman whom God has an incredible, unique, and special plan for. He’s shown me that few people travel a road like mine.
It blows my mind to look back on the things that God has pulled me through. In the middle of the mess, He has still given me a smile and made me laugh, even when everything around me seems like it is trying to make me die.
He puts people in our lives that are “tokens” from heaven to remind us how much He cares. It is a constant reminder that He really does hold us in the palm of His hand, and that He loves us so much.
I hold onto that every day… as my days don’t go like a lot of other mothers’.
I can’t imagine where Madison would be if God hadn’t handpicked me to be her mom. My little girl, who once struggled with so much, has certainly received a miraculous touch and is currently living a fantabulous adult life.
I am thankful for so much, but this weekend, I am especially thankful to be called “mom” by Maddie, from a little girl who’s world would be very different if I wasn’t in it. She knows I understand her and love her no matter what —and in her world, that is everything.
A Shoutout to All Mothers & Caregivers
Unfortunately in life, there is no manual for the challenges you endure and uncertainties you go through to tell you just how to navigate through.
So this Mother’s Day, I want to give a shoutout today to all the mothers and caregivers who carry heavy burdens for their children. Let God carry the heavy load and trust Him in ALL things.
Know that God equips us each with many gifts and talents. Don’t let yours sit on the shelf!
My own journey in motherhood is a testimony in trusting Him. God has proven that even when we’re not sure of how we’re going to navigate through, He will look after all the details.
Lastly, to my Madison, I say… I love you to the moon and back! I am so proud to call you my daughter.