Mother's Day in the Adoption Triangle

As Mother's Day approaches, I am reminded of that Sunday in May, 1971. It was just two short months after my relinquished daughter's birth.

My siblings, nephews and niece gathered at my parents’ home. It was a typical Mother's Day celebration for the rest of the family. None of the adults showed any sign of awareness, that maybe....just maybe…. I might be experiencing a certain measure of sadness. I dared not speak of my grief to my parents and risk ruining my mother's special day. I talked to my friend from the home, where we had been hidden away. Kathy and I comforted each other, and shared our sadness. We held our common secret, as we were sworn to do, and we grieved the loss of our children.

On that day and every Mother's Day since, I have thought of the woman who was raising my little girl, and I uttered a heartfelt "thank you." Two little words that come nowhere near the expression of my gratitude. I have never been able to adequately do so, no matter the number of words I choose.

For twenty-five years I have known this lovely lady. Every year on Mother's Day, we connect on the phone and we wish each other the best of days. I thank her for the loving care she gave to our girl, and she thanks me for the girl herself. 

Now we are two mothers….two grandmothers….and, this year we are two GREAT-grandmothers!

Happy Mother’s Day Ann, Angela, and Sydney!