Dear Birth Mother, What You Need to Know On Mother’s Day

Dear Birth Mother,

Today is Mother’s Day. A day when we celebrate women who love, nurture, care for, and pour into others. Today my husband and children will take care of me, shower me with love, and give me gifts.

But you have given me the greatest gift of all, and for that I honor you.

I will never know your name. I will never know your story. But every day I stare into the face of a piece of you.

If I could tell you anything, it would be thank you. Thank you for deciding to give life to a child. Thank you for the sacrifices you made to carry her in your womb for nine months.

Thank you for this beautiful little girl that I have the privilege to call daughter.

I know that you could not have known the outcome when you made the impossible decision to allow someone else to raise your child, but I pray that God has given you peace. That somehow you know she is happy and thriving – loved and cared for.

This child that we share, that will always connect our hearts, is truly remarkable. I wish I could tell you about her, and how she brings joy and laughter to so many people in this world. I would love to show you videos of her singing and dancing on stage, and pictures of her smiling proudly as she receives awards at school. She is passionate, strong, independent, and creative. I am curious if you are like her.

Sometimes when I look at her I can’t help but wonder if she looks like you. Does she have your eyes? Your smile? And when I listen to her laugh I imagine that it might echo your own.

The truth is, there will always be a part of our daughter’s life that is unknown to me, and to her. I will never know her history or her heritage – that key is held by you. But there will always be a part that is unknown to you too – for you have given me the key to a future you will never know. I promise to guard and protect your gift. To hold it close to my heart, and never let go. And I promise to honor and remember you, the one who gave her life. Happy Mother’s Day, dear birth mother.

Read about Lily’s adoption story here