As Mother’s Day approaches, it’s a time to recognize and celebrate all mothers. The bond of motherhood is unique and profound, encompassing not only those who parent children daily but also those who may not be in the picture. One mom, Sarah Johnson, wants to remind us of the importance of honoring every mother, especially those who have made difficult choices.
“When Mother’s Day rolls around and I see all the cards in stores, I have a little secret,” writes Sarah on her blog, Parenting Perspectives. “I always pick up two extra cards each year for my sons’ birth mothers.” Every year since adopting her boys, Sarah has taken the time to write heartfelt notes to their biological mothers, sharing snippets of their lives, achievements, and challenges.
Sarah keeps these letters in a shoebox in her closet, as there is no way to send them to the birth mothers. “I don’t have a mailing address for them, you see,” she explains. Her sons were just toddlers when she adopted them, and like many in similar situations, she recognizes the complexities of their unique stories.
In her post, Sarah reflects on the reality of adoption: “In many cases, children are abandoned and entered into the social welfare system, available for adoption. I believe that my sons’ birth mothers loved them deeply and made choices that were best for their circumstances.”
Even though her children don’t ask many questions about their birth families yet, Sarah understands that her life is richer because of the choices made by these women. “Without their decisions, my world would look very different,” she emphasizes. “For me, this is all about gratitude.”
Every year, she sends these cards as a way to connect with the women who gave her the greatest gifts of all. “I know they wonder about their children. I wish they could receive these cards, to know their babies are safe, loved, and thriving,” she says. “I write these cards for my own peace of mind, holding them close before placing them in my shoebox, hoping that these women know how much I appreciate them.”
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In summary, Sarah’s heartfelt tradition of writing Mother’s Day cards to her sons’ birth mothers serves as a beautiful reminder of the complexities of motherhood, gratitude, and the deep connections that exist beyond traditional definitions of family.