Mother's Day

I'm not a mother. I can only hope that I will, some day (sooner than later) have the chance to become a mother. I have the most amazing role model- my mother is my hero. I know it's cheesy... but I couldn't say it any other way if I wanted to.

I have two women in my heart on Mother's Day. The first, and most important, is obviously my Mother. She has been the rock, the foundation, the center-piece of my life. She loved me before she knew me- before she knew I even existed.

Not flesh of my flesh
Nor bone of my bone,
But still miraculously my own.
Never forget for a single minute,
You didn't grow under my heart,
But in it.

I grew in her heart- and without her I wouldn't be the woman that I am today. I celebrate her today. I thank her for everything she has taught me. I love her for everything she is, and everything that she has helped me to be. She's given me opportunities that others can only dream of. I've had an amazing childhood full of amazing vacations, experiences, love, family- my list is endless. 
She has held my hand through scary moments, heartbreaks, hard lessons, and always been supportive. She may not always agree with the decisions that I've made, but she respects that they were my choices. She is there when these decisions fall apart, and she continues to help me pick up the pieces, learn from my mistakes, and helps me brush it off and keep moving.

The other person in my heart today is the person that made everything possible. She kept us healthy for 9 months. Her selfless decision 31 years ago allows me to be loved every day by the most amazing family. I think of her today- I respect her and thank her for choosing to give me a chance at the amazing life that I've had, one that may not have been possible. She is a mother by nature and biology but ultimately, she is the reason that I have the most amazing mother.

I found this- and it really really makes sense:

LEGACY OF AN ADOPTED CHILD

Once there were two women who never knew each other
One you do not remember, the other you call Mother

Two different lives shaped to make you one
One became your guiding star, the other became your sun

The first one gave you life, and the second taught you to live it
The first gave you a need for love, the second was there to give it

One gave you a nationality, the other gave you a name
One gave you a talent, the other gave you aim

One gave you emotions, the other calmed your fears
One saw your first sweet smile, the other dried you tears

One made an adoption plan, that was all that she could do
The other prayed for a child, and God led her straight to you.

Now, which of these two women, Are you the product of?
Both, my darling, Both, Just two different types of love.
---- Unknown