The Story of The Only Mom I've Ever Known
I've always known I looked different from my Mom. I was surrendered at birth in Edmonton and signed away by my birth mother. My (foster) Mom received a call telling her the Agency she'd just signed up with for a baby, had a baby girl, if she wanted. She wanted, with every fibre of her little body. I was 10 days old and have had the very good fortune of being with her all of my life. I'll be 56 in July and I talk with my Mom every day. How lucky am I?
Besides me, she also took in my half brother, then 2 other foster brothers, only to have 2 of her own biological children. She and my (foster) Dad did the very best they could for their brood of 6. We never went without; we had food in our bellies, clothes to wear, many cousins and other relatives, all of whom never made me feel like I was different or not a part of the family. I believe this was due to the fact that my Mom loved as all like her own and others just followed her lead. She used to explain our skin colour difference when I was old enough to notice in this way: she'd say, "It's because you grew in my heart, not under it", and that was good enough for me.
Her selflessness, love and encouragement gave me the great foundation to achieve many goals in my life. I graduated high school, took courses at CNC and UNBC. I worked for many years in local law firms, then for many more at UNBC. When I had my 3 daughters, I always worked full time. Mom would take the girls over weekends and holidays and take them on trips I could never afford to do myself. My girls have the best memories thanks to her and my stepfather. I was a wee bit jealous that they got to see new places where they'd tell me of their adventures. My daughters have the best and closest relationship with my Mom. I think it's because of her unconditional love like she had for me and my siblings. Again, it was the solid foundation she provided for me as I too, have a very close, loving and wonderful relationship with my children.
Mom is 79 and has more energy than the Energizer Bunny! She's usually up to something but always has time to call me and ask how my day was, how my girls are and the grandkids too. One thing she never revealed to me until only recently, was the fact she was always afraid we could be taken away from her when we were little, by the social workers. She started to cry as she was telling us this which of course, prompted me to reach out to hug her and tell her I loved her. Mom has 18 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. And she knows all of their birthdays too!
I would love to win this gift pack for her to show her I'm always thinking of her and ways to make her smile. By the way, I am a full blooded Dene Elder and she is a tiny lady who is 5 foot 1, white and full of love. I love you Mom and Happy Mother's Day to all moms out there!
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