When you have to share Mother's Day......

Mothers all over the country today were waking up to breakfast in bed and treats from their husbands and children. In fact, I woke up and was almsot immediately greeted by five adorable little people bearing homemade cards of various artistic ability....but a small part of me feels horribly guilty for having someone else's children on THEIR day.

When I picked our children up from nursery at church today and saw Big A with a hand-decorated flower pot, I had to ask if the pot was for me or if it was for her real mom. I have had to listen to the girls get excited all weekend because they keep thinking that Mother's Day is the same as what we call Mommy Day (which is the celebrated day of the week where they visit their biological mother).

The girl's mom doesn't need to have any children. She lacks the ability to parent in a loving/healthy way but if foster care has taught me anything it is that the break in daily contact between a parent and a child is traumatic for MORE than just the child. The truth is that they love these children in the BEST way that they can...and the sad reality is that sometimes, that's just not enough but that doesn't lessen the pain that they feel on a daily basis.

Of course we celebrated Mother's Day last Wednesday at the visit. Little A picked out a gift for their mom and I made photo collages and bought a really nice frame. We gave her (and grandma) cards and pictures to share with the whole family but the fact is, while I woke up to my little ones invading my bedroom before the sun did, she woke up to an empty house and there's something to be mourned in that even though, at this point, it's for the best.

So hug your children just a little bit tighter today because there are moms all over this country that CANNOT be with their children for whatever reason today and no matter the reason, that sadness is something that I don't believe was EVER intended to be experienced......