I have always marveled at the people who have the strength and courage to open their hearts and their homes to adopt a child. I believe that there is no greater gift in this world than a child and having the opportunity to become a parent. It teaches more about unconditional love and dedication than any parent to be could ever imagine. And in return, there is no greater satisfaction than seeing a smile on your child’s face. But I always wondered how that bond could be created with a child that you never met before. I always assumed that I just didn’t have it in my heart and was meant to be a mom to just my son.
Over the years, I witnessed first-hand, the many parents who found it in their hearts to love both adopted and biological children completely and totally. But I just couldn’t imagine doing it myself. Now it is nearly 30 years after the first day that I held the tiny little person who is my son. And from that day forward, I knew that there was nothing that I would not do for him and nothing that he could ever do to stop me from loving him. But what he has managed to do in his lifetime, is teach me a great deal more about love, understanding, and acceptance.
Almost a decade ago, I met the man who would become my son-in-law. He is a wonderful person and had I met him in another situation, I still would think that he is an amazing person. But seeing the changes that he brought about in my son, the love that they share and the strength of their dedication to one another, I finally had the answer to my question. In my heart, I now have two sons. One was born my son, and the other was adopted by my heart.
I could not be more proud of both of my sons. They are kind-hearted and caring, but both have the inner strength to be a voice for those who can’t speak for themselves. They are champions for children who have no families of their own, they work to make the world accessible to those with disabilities and they are always to first to lend a hand to a friend in need. So this Mother’s Day, I am doubly blessed to have two sons who call me Mom and who continue to remind me of all of the good to be found in this world if we simply open our hearts to it.
Kathy, this is so beautiful, so inspiring and affirming of what love truly means. You are a beautiful person and mom and your love is now embodied and reflected in your son’s life and in your son-in-law’s life now as two sons!!!! And they are touching more and more lives with the same love that came from you and Tony . . . what a wonderful world this truly is when we realize that love is the answer to all our worries and concerns and the only power that can dispel fear. xxxxoooo