Maya Angelou, the late great poet and author, says, “My greatest blessing has been the birth of my son.” I love that quote, but in fairness to the great love I have for my husband, I would like to tweak it a bit to say ‘one of my greatest blessings has been the birth of my son.’
Motherhood is a gift from the Lord, a gift that I hold as very precious and dear to my heart. As I look back over the many years that I have been a mother, there are so many moments that can make the list of my most memorable Mother’s Day.
There are the special ones that were filled with beautiful Mother’s Day cards that I keep in boxes and reread when I am feeling nostalgic. There have been beautiful gifts that I would never have bought for myself. I have received my favourite flowers, many hugs and kisses and “I love you” as the years go by. There have been outings to favourite places, as well as Mother’s Days when I stayed in bed all day and my meals were prepared and brought to me.
I could perhaps choose the day my son was in the Children’s Own (a weekly newspaper for children, produced by the Gleaner company in Jamaica) saying why he loves his mom and what his plans were for that Mother’s Day. These are all memorable moments that I will cherish and keep in my mind and heart forever.
But the most memorable Mother’s Day that I have had since my journey as a mother began was that Tuesday morning when I awoke from anesthesia, opened my eyes and my 11 pounds 10 ounces of joy was placed in my arms. He opened his eyes and looked up at me and I was a goner. I loved him when he was in my womb but meeting him in person expanded the feelings of love and joy that I had in my heart and that love has kept growing as each year goes by.
The Bible says in Isaiah 49:15(NLT) “Never! Can a mother forget her nursing child? Can she feel no love for the child she bore? But even if that were possible, I would never forget you!” I am not a very creative or artistic person but with God’s and my husband’s help, we created a masterpiece. Every day I have my son in my life is a favourite Mother’s Day moment. I love you Oraine, and I am so happy that God gifted you to us.
By Donna Swaby