Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day to all my fellow mothers! Whether you are holding a child in your arms, womb or heart, you deserve recognition because it is a wonderful but complicated road we have headed down. One of our favorite blogs is titled "China Baby: The Sweet and Sour of Parenthood". An apt title, which always serves as a reminder of how lucky we are. For the past six years, people have wished ME a Happy Mother's Day, a mere neophyte, I realize compared to those who have been parenting for 20 or 40 plus years. Still, although we have been blessed with more than our share of sweet, it hasn't been without it's sour moments. The first year I felt like a fraud in the parenthood department, unworthy of any special treatment. The second year, we were told on the Friday before mother's day that our only child at the time had a serious neurological disorder and might never have a "normal" life. I will never forget the overwhelming sense of relief and gratitude I experienced when we found out a month later that his diagnosis was incorrect. As a result, this is a day I always reflect on mother's who are parenting special needs children. I have the greatest respect and admiration for those who dedicate their life and resources to lovingly raising children with greater obstacles than most. These are some of the heroes among us and I always think of them on Mother's Day. I know that many of these mother's don't think they are doing anything special, but I know differently. They are doing perhaps the most challenging and compassionate work on earth and on this special day, I salute them.