I Never...

To the Keepers of My Heart:
• I never understood why life was a miracle until I became pregnant and felt you moving inside of me.
• I never knew how much I could truly love someone unconditionally until your tiny hand grasped my finger the day you were born.
• I never knew what it meant to be overprotective until you left my arms for the first time.
• I never felt fear until you learned to roll over (it’s only grown every day since then…).
• I never hurt until I had to hold you for the nurses to give you shots.
• I never knew my heart could explode with joy until you wrapped your arms around my neck tightly and hugged me for the first time on your own.
• I never laughed more in life than in the years you taught me to not take life so seriously.
• I never knew the pain of heartbreak until I felt it through your first disappointment and the day you realized happiness is a blessing not shared by everyone, every day.
• I never felt real pride until the day you took your first step, wrote your first letter, painted your first picture, or stepped courageously into preschool on your own.
• I never understood just how quickly time flies until I look back on the past nine years and realize it literally seems like yesterday that you were little, helpless babies dependent upon me and your dad for everything.
• Until I became a mom, I never truly appreciated the sacrifices my own mom made to raise me, teach me, love me, and let me go.
• I never truly believed in a higher power until we met for the first time.

In the very instant you were born, my life changed permanently, eternally. It was a moment that couldn’t be seen or even described in words. It was a feeling, but a feeling so monumental I knew my life—my very existence—would never be the same.

You are more precious than diamonds and sweeter than honey. And without you, my life would be a moonless, starless night. Thank you for choosing me to be your mom. I love you infinitely.
Mommy

PS 1—I love you, Mom. Thanks for being the best (& most patient) mom ever!
PS2—To my husband, thank you for making me the happiest woman, wife, and mother!
PS3—Happy Mother’s Day to everyone who is a mom—biologically or otherwise—and makes a positive difference in the lives of children.