Over the last couple of Mother's Days, I have explained how insanely in love I am with my son, Reuel. But this year, I have to give credit where credit is due...to my own mother, for showing me what unconditional love is all about.
Dear Mommy,
First of all, I want to tell you that I love you dearly. We have always maintained our friendship; a bond which I cherish deeply. Even when I was a teenager and we got into fights before school, you could always count on an apologetic call from me before lunch began. I could never stay mad at you. Your peaceful spirit and wise advice helped me overcome the anger and impatience inside me, and I felt much better after I made that repentant call.
As I became an adult, unfortunately there were some incorrect decisions that I made; and this Mother's Day one specific memory of your loving kindness toward me comes to mind. It is of the day I called you up and relayed the news of my pregnancy; the day I walked out of the abortion clinic and decided to keep my baby. I was afraid to call you, ashamed and scared. You could have judged me for my actions, you could have turned your back on me. But as my mommy, you knew exactly what I needed...unconditional love. You insisted that we should meet up that weekend; a time I will never forget. I was all alone with a racing mind and a heavy heart, but you came to my rescue...to my baby's rescue. You spoke words of encouragement and told me that you 'felt a connection' with my baby already. How could you know that was what I needed to hear? A mother's love.
Over the next few months you taught me to pray over my baby and to speak over him. I was a faithful student under your tutelage. You helped me become excited for his grand entrance into this world by choosing his nickname, Roo; thereby, making me realize that I, indeed, had a live baby growing inside of me. Mommy, you were the best birthing partner an expectant mother could ask for. You took me to Confident Birthing classes and stood by me when I was the only single mother in that course. You helped me to become completely confident in my pregnancy and labor; I was not afraid or uncertain in my birthing plan.
As I look back over my pregnancy labor, I remember one distinct act you did that meant the world to me...you unclenched my fists to help me relax. This act symbolizes your entire role in the pregnancy, labor, birth and life of my son. By metaphorically 'unclenching my fists' through teaching me about parenting, being available to help me watch him and most importantly, loving both of us, you have helped me relax as a mother and raise a boy with a beautiful spirit. We will be forever grateful for your love, compassion and support and for being the third part to our Roo Sandwich.
I love you, Mommy! Happy Mother's Day!
Love,
Miss Jillian
