Reflections on Mother’s Day

Motherhood is all about influence.  Whether we are talking about creating a life in the womb or raising a child or inspiring a relationship once married; mothers shape us.  I’m adopted and have often felt gratitude over the choice of my birth mother to give me up.  Who would I be otherwise?  My biology accounts for a considerable portion of what makes me unique–granted–and for that I have my birth mother to thank.  However everything I know and conceptualize is inspired by my upbringing.  My mother, who raised me, has perhaps influenced me the greatest.  My sense of self I learned from watching her; my sense of humor I learned from listening to her laugh; my intuition I learned from her ability to know everything before I admit it.  I believe who I am is attributed in part to who my mother is.  Once I grew up and got married I learned about the influence of another mother, a mother-in-law.  It wasn’t immediate but my heart opened up to accept the love and influence of a new mother who I have come to love entirely.  As a daughter I have been changed by all my mothers.  I cannot imagine who I am today without their inspiration–even if only biological.  As I am a mother myself I often wonder how I am shaping the lives of my children.  Hopefully they will grow to know their potential.