Winter Garden Magazine May 2018 | Page 21

bumps in the road. You carried them in every way. You are a hero, a warrior. Because of you, they thrive. Thank you, Mom. Adoptive mothers, Thank you for giving your child a second chance. For transforming their entire life and giving them a safe place to grow up peacefully. You raise your children like they are a part of your soul outside of your body. You turned their unfortunate situation into a lucky one. You chose to love another. Thank you, Mom. Step-moms, Thank you for hanging in there and stepping up. It’s not easy getting to parent-status with kids who might struggle to reconcile that their parents are no longer together. You chose love rather than resentment while patiently waiting for them to come around. You bring out their light in a unique way. You will always be a mother – always. Thank you, Mom. Foster mommas, Thank you for giving children with hard situations a loving home and open heart to transition in – a place they feel encouraged. You didn’t have to do any of it, but the love you have, the home you offered, the sounding board to work through their day you afford will always be respected and cherished. Thank you for showing real love while others turned a blind eye. Thank you, Mom. Others who wear the badge of mother, Thank you for taking on the challenge. Grandmothers, aunts, sisters, and the like. In terms of the affection and livelihood you offer, you are Mom. You’ve taken on being a mother as well as sustaining your original role. You fill a void and ensure there is nothing lacking from your child. You love as a mother, you act as a mother, you are present as a mother… for that, thank you, Mom. Mothers of all varieties create the world through their children. They are the fighters, protectors, providers, and everything else in between. You might not be perfect, though for so many years it seemed so to your child, but you were always there. It’s not easy. A mother sacrifices part of herself to give to her child – it’s selfless and the love it takes to do it day-in and day-out is no small feat. Thank you, moms. Thank you, thank you, thank you! Today, enjoy your flowers, half-eaten chocolates, cards, and colorful cat drawings. We can never repay you, but you wouldn’t ask that of us anyway. So, all we can say is, I love you, Mom. MAY 2018 | WINTER GARDEN MAGAZINE |   21